Pilbara Regional Waste Management Facility wins sustainability and leadership local government conference

A $13 million dollar Pilbara waste plant has taken out a WA award for sustainability and leadership at this year’s local government conference. The Shire of Ashburton was awarded the environmental leadership and sustainability award at this year’s LG Professionals WA State Conference in Perth earlier this month for its Pilbara Regional Waste Management Facility. The Class IV facility was opened by the Shire in March and has the capacity to accept a variety of waste including green waste, scrap metal and demolition waste. It covers a 3km area and consists of a composite lining system consisting of seven layers to protect groundwater, and includes environmental management systems for surface water, leachate and landfill gas. The facility will be accepting waste from early next year. Ashburton shire president Kerry White said she was excited the project had been recognised. “This award recognises dedication to sustainability through corporate process improvements or initiatives that yield significant real or potential environmental benefits,” she said. “Our 100 per cent off-grid, solar powered waste facility will accept waste from mining, industrial and oil and gas operations across north west Australia. “This design has been carefully thought out to ensure minimal disruption to the surrounding landscape and to also comply with strict environmental protection requirements.”