The workshop was part of a ‘travelling conference’ being undertaken by a delegation from Germany of six experts in the field of waste reduction and recycling.
The Perth workshop was one of a series held internationally, with similar events also held in Seoul in South Korea and Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam during this year.
The German delegation comprised scientists from the German Federal Institute for Materials Research, the Technical University of Dresden and experts from two German companies which specialise in recycling technologies and environmental assessment.
Funded by the German Ministry for Education and Research, the workshop Resource Efficiency and Environmental Compatibility in Waste Management incorporated a field trip to illustrate some of the pressures influencing decisions to recycle waste materials on the Swan Coastal Plain.
Presentations from the German delegation as well as WA representatives from the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, ChemCentre, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Water Corporation, and Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions gave insight into the opportunities and challenges related to sustainable solid waste management; waste reduction and recycling technologies; and assessment of environmental compatibility of mineral waste materials intended for reuse.
Over 60 participants attended the workshop representing industry, local and state government agencies, scientific organisations and environmental consultancies including .
ChemCentre’s Dr Silvia Black said the workshop provided a forum to share scientific, economic and regulatory learnings and cement partnerships.
“The workshop provided an ideal opportunity to foster international cooperation and future collaborations in research and development with the German government agencies, research entities and partners in Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries.”