Innovation: An Acetylene Cylinder Recycling Facility Case Study.

Noting the above discussion on innovation is only general in nature, below is a case study relating it back to the remediation industry.

In 2021, more than 50,000 used acetylene cylinders with asbestos containing material within them were uncovered in an illegal dump site in western Victoria. Due to the hazardous material contained within them, there was no option in Australia to recycle these cylinders. The only options were to bury them back in the ground – at a licenced facility this time – or send them offshore. Neither of these options aligned with sustainability or circular economy principles, so instead a bespoke-designed, purpose-built recycling facility was proposed; nothing of which existed in the domestic market at the time.

In January 2023 the Acetylene Cylinder Recycling Facility project commenced. When working through the technical, financial and commercial aspects as part of stage gate assessments, a number of challenges were uncovered which had to be overcome. These included:

1. Site location and planning: Identifying a suitable site and navigating planning considerations required extensive stakeholder engagement and careful coordination with regulatory agencies.
2. Regulatory compliance: Securing Development Licenses and adhering to General Environmental Duty (GED) requirements highlighted differences between regulators and interface agencies which added to the complexity.
3. Investment and market challenges: The absence of prior investment in local processing facilities for acetylene cylinders took over 12 months preparing an adequate business case to achieve required metrics and risk levels to warrant progression of the project.
4. Environmental and Safety Hazards: Proper handling of hazardous materials including asbestos, acetone solvent, and flammable acetylene gas was crucial.
5. Regulatory timeframes: Delays in obtaining necessary permits and licenses impacted project timelines.
6. Technological challenges: Integrating new technologies into the recycling process sometimes led to unforeseen issues requiring rapid adjustments and solutions.
7. International and local standards: gaps between the two sets of standards were larger than anticipated and required plant modifications.

Despite the project proceeding to construction stage, challenges capable of derailing the project were still required to be identified and managed. Evaluation of the impact of these risks materialising was continuously undertaken to ensure the project would still achieve its goals. The critical challenges included:

1. International technology replication: Adapting international technologies for local use proved challenging due to differing regulatory environments and electrical and hazardous area classification standards. Custom solutions had to be developed and parts deemed suitable in an international setting were replaced with locally manufactured equipment.
2. Market acceptance: There was uncertainty regarding the market's acceptance of a new local processing facility versus established international solutions.
3. Technological adaptations: Ongoing adjustments to the recycling technology and processes required constant evaluation and fine-tuning up to and including commissioning.

These challenges were managed by the project team through embracing an overall delivery approach. This comprised:

1. Comprehensive planning and flexibility: Detailed planning coupled with the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances allowed the project to navigate regulatory hurdles and site planning issues effectively.
2. Strong Regulatory Coordination: Strong relationships with regulatory bodies using transparent communication helped expedite the licensing and approval processes.
3. Innovative problem-solving: Creative thinking and tailored solutions played a key role in overcoming technological and logistical challenges.
4. Dedicated team effort: The commitment and resilience of the workforce was pivotal to maintaining required quality and delivery timeframes.

By committing to healthy risk taking and employing strong risk management, the project has demonstrated what can be achieved by challenging the status quo. Not only has a sustained step-change been achieved and a new business line of potential established, but Australia now has a solution to safely recover acetylene cylinders containing asbestos with over 90% of materials being integrated back into the recycling industry. The facility will be operational in June 2024.

As Innovation Manager at Enviropacific, Ben is responsible for managing Enviropacific’s Strategic Initiatives as part of the business’ overall growth strategy. This includes responsibilities involving exploration and analyses of emerging market opportunities (e.g. circular economy, decarbonisation), expanding business service offerings, increasing technical capability and research and development projects (including patents and grants). His background is environmental engineering and has spent 20 years trying to reduce society’s impact on this planet.

Article Published on 31/05/2024

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.

Article Published on 31/05/2024

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.

Shifting the mindset

The perception that recycled materials are inferior to virgin material must be challenged and changed. To alleviate consumer concern, I manage an experienced in-house Environmental team who alongside with product experts to ensure products meet stringent guidelines. We work closely with industry and speak at industry events about recycled materials, helping change public sentiment.

What is your vision for the plant and the impact it will have on Australia’s industry 10 to 15 years from now?

Even in the last five years we have made such a significant impact on the industry, diverting millions on tonnes from landfill.

Last year we also launched a second soil wash plant, drastically increasing our capacity for washing contaminated soil.

We want to continue to innovate. We will always look to see what the emerging issues and contaminants are and try and find solutions for them.

You work together with the EPA to ensure that Repurpose It meets the satisfactory requirements for environmental compliance, risk management and sustainable best practices. Can you share with our readers how you go about this work?

With the new EPA act, organisations still need to finalise their permission requirements.

We are proud that are Repurpose It, we already have all our licenses under the new Act, but it does take time and resources to complete all required paperwork.

It is so important we have EPA licensed facilities to help up meet National Waste targets.

While Australia has intensified its efforts to drive the transition towards a circular economy, the realities are that we’re not on track to meet our National Waste targets and we hope 2024 will see a greater collaboration of regulators, industry and the community as we tackle some of these challenges including regulatory gaps; lack of existing infrastructure and domestic markets for reprocessed material; and policy barriers.

As a business based in Victoria, regulatory compliance will be critical as we anticipate that more companies will finalise their permission requirements under the new Environmental Protection Act 2017 and the Environmental Protection Regulations 2021. Community education will also play a big role in 2024, particularly as we support more Councils rolling out their FOGO collections.

You’ve mentioned before that the EP Act and the EP Regulations have impacted the resource recovery and waste sector significantly. Could you elaborate more on some of the changes made to the sector?

The new Environmental Protection Act 2017 (EP Act) and the Environmental Protection Regulations 2021, which came into effect on 1 July 2021, have had a significant impact on environmental management and protection, particularly for the resource recovery and waste sector.

One of the main changes is the need for EPA operating licencing or permission to handle waste material that were previously regulated differently. Under the new Act, waste management hierarchy is one of the principles of environmental protection, which fundamentally aligns with the vision of Repurpose It. The new EPA Act and Regulations, coupled with broader government policy, support a catalyst of change away from traditional waste management methods where rubbish ends up in landfill and a demand for resource recovery, such as reuse of soil and other materials that have a recycled component.

We are really proud that we have EPA licences under the new act for all our sites.

When looking back on your career, what are some of the highlights and key things you’ve learnt that you’d like to share with our members?

As a woman in an often male-dominated sector, I’m passionate about having strong, female role models and encouraging more women to join the STEMM network is something that still requires a lot of effort. During my career to date advocating for a greater gender equality and supporting diversity within our work force has always been important to me.

Mentoring of graduates and junior professionals, both at work and through other associations, including the Engineers of Australia and Melbourne University mentoring programs, has been one of my career highlights also. The wonderful support of mentors I’ve had since the early days of my graduate role has defined and shaped my career today and being able to give back and do the same for others is something I’m really passionate about.

Reflecting on my career there are ample of lessons I’ve learnt. There are no silly questions; it’s okay to ask for help; seek clarification when in doubt and don’t make assumptions; you will not be an expert in everything so collaboration and working with others is crucial. We spend so much time at work it’s so important to enjoy what you do and find your purpose. Take risks and give things a go – redirecting my career from consulting to industry felt like such a big daunting transition at the time but it’s been so rewarding and fulfilling (and if it doesn’t work out that’s okay too – there will always be other options and mentors/family/friends who can guide you along the way).

Jelena Hercegovac General Manager - Environment & Sustainability BIO

Sharing our passion for pursuing sustainable and environmentally sound solutions for a better future, Jelena supports the Repurpose It businesses in all facets of environmental compliance, environmental risk management and sustainability best practice as Group Head of Environment & Sustainability.

Since 2019, Jelena has brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to Repurpose It, listed on the National Engineering Register (NER) and APEC Engineer Register, as well as being a member of Engineers Australia, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) in the areas of “Environmental Engineering” and “Risk Engineering”.

Her immense experience in environmental management, regulatory compliance and undertaking human health and environmental risk assessments across various sectors ensures our clients feel confident that our products have been handled appropriately from a regulatory compliance and quality perspective.

Jelena works in collaboration with the Victorian EPA (Environment Protection Authority) to ensure Repurpose It continues to operate as a business set on revolutionising the waste management and resource recovery space, as well as complying with our general environmental duty.

Article Published on 31/05/2024

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.

Article Published on 31/05/2024

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.

- David Cain, patent attorney at Hauptman Ham LLC

I am a patent attorney with 39 years of experience in the global IP landscape, specializing in patent preparation, prosecution, and portfolio management. I am also of-counsel at Hauptman Ham, LLP, a leading IP law firm with a diverse and international clientele.

My expertise covers a wide range of technologies, with a focus on artificial intelligence, medical devices, robotics, agriculture, cryptography and communication technology. I have successfully guided hundreds of clients, from the world's largest corporations to dynamic startups, in securing and monetizing their IP rights. My mission is to maximize the value of your intellectual property and transform it into your competitive advantage.

Article Published on 31/05/2024

The statements, analyses, opinions, information and conclusions that may be found in the articles of this publication are those of the author and not of the Australasian Land & Groundwater Association Ltd (ALGA), which only acts in the capacity as publisher. No part of this publication can be regarded as legal advice. Although care has been taken in preparing this publication, neither ALGA nor the author represent or warrant that the information supplied is current, complete or accurate. To the full extent permitted by law, the author and ALGA do not accept any liability, or owe a duty of care, to any person in respect of any such information. No person should rely in any way on the content of this publication and are encouraged to seek independent legal or other professional advice, if required.