Statistics contained in the Year Book are the most recent available at the time of preparation. In many cases, the ABS website and the websites of other organisations provide access to more recent data. Each Year Book table or graph and the bibliography at the end of each chapter provides hyperlinks to the most up to date data release where available.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Australia's growing economy and its increasing use of energy and other resources have brought prosperity and wellbeing to many Australians. However, a growing economy and a growing population also mean more waste generation. Australia has one of the highest rates of waste generation per capita in the world. Wastes may be solid, liquid or gaseous. They can be hazardous, or non-hazardous. They may be classified according to their source (municipal, commercial and industrial, construction and demolition) or by composition (organic, paper, glass, metal and plastic).
This section presents information on waste management activities and waste quantities received, processed and transferred from waste facilities.
Table 2.13 presents estimates of the financial performance of businesses in waste management services in Australia in 2009–10. Data refer to businesses in scope for Waste collection, treatment and disposal services and do not include waste activities undertaken by businesses whose primary activity is outside this scope (e.g. those in the Manufacturing and Mining industries).
At the end of June 2010, there were 2,719 businesses/organisations involved in the provision of waste management services. They comprised 2,172 businesses in the private and public trading sector classified to the Waste collection, treatment and disposal services industry and 547 General government sector organisations.
In 2009–10, waste management businesses in the private and public trading sector had a total income of $8.6 billion. The main source of income was from the provision of waste services ($5.1b), consisting of $4.3 billion for non-recyclable waste and $0.8 billion for recyclables. Sales of recyclable material contributed another $2.2 billion or 26% of total income.
In the private and public trading sector, 709 waste management services businesses had activity located in New South Wales in June 2010, representing 33% of the total waste management services businesses in Australia, while 592 (28%) had activity located in Victoria. The businesses in these two states contributed 59% of total private and public trading sector employment, 63% of total income and 63% of total expenses in 2009–10.
Source: Waste Management Services, Australia, 2009–10 (8698.0).
There were an estimated 918 landfills operated by the Waste management services businesses and organisations (including general government) in 2009–10. Australia has a strong dependence on landfill for waste management. The majority of waste that is not recycled or re-used in Australia is disposed of in the nation's landfills.
During 2009–10, there were 21.6 million tonnes of waste received at landfills, with 7.4 million tonnes (34%) coming from the domestic and municipal waste stream, 6.7 million tonnes (31%) from the commercial and industrial waste stream and 5.6 million tonnes (26%) from the construction and demolition waste stream (table 2.14).
Source: Waste Management Services, Australia, 2009–10 (8698.0).
Of the material received at facilities other than landfills, 10.4 million tonnes (59%) were recovered or reprocessed, 4 million tonnes (23%) were disposed to landfill or other final destination, and 3.2 million tonnes (18%) were transferred to other businesses/organisations for recovery or reprocessing. Some of this waste may be transferred out of the waste services industry and reprocessed by another industry.
A total of 13.2 million tonnes of material were recovered or reprocessed from landfills and other waste facilities. This material was diverted from being disposed at landfills, resulting in a diversion rate of 43%. South Australia had the highest waste diversion rate of 66% (table 2.15).
Source: Waste Management Services, Australia, 2009–10 (8698.0).