Role of the Metropolitan Waste Management Group

The Metropolitan Waste Management Group (MWMG) is a Victorian State Government Statutory Body, established under the Environment Protection (Amendment) Act 2006 to work with 30 metropolitan local governments to plan for, and coordinate Melbourne's municipal solid waste management arrangements.

Municipal solid waste (MSW) is the waste that is generated from residential and municipal activities. It includes household garbage, recycling and green waste collected from kerbside bins and waste generated through council activities such as street sweeping and litter bins. Waste generated by business is generally classified and either commercial and industrial (C&I) or construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The state government agencies with responsibility for planning and managing C&I and C&D waste include both Sustainability Victoria and EPA Victoria.

Waste Management Services Procurement

Under certain circumstances MWMG is involved facilitating joint procurement of various waste management services on behalf of councils in the metropolitan area.

Through these procurement activities MWMG is aiming to develop a strategic network of waste management infrastructure over time to efficiently and effectively deal with the treatment of the residual, organics and recyclables MSW streams.

While having due regard to collection processes when considering Metropolitan procurement of waste management infrastructure, MWMG will not be directly involved in the procurement of collection services for MSW for which individual councils retain primary responsibility.

A fundamental commercial principle for the involvement of MWMG as ‘contract facilitator’ on behalf of participating Metropolitan councils is that the services provided are for the councils benefit and as such, participating councils commercially underwrite all contracts entered into.

Current procurements can be found at the following link.

Sustainability Victoria (SV) is a Victorian Government agency set up with the goal of integrating sustainability into all aspects of Victorian life. SV works across all industry sectors, on a range of programs and initiatives.

The Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is responsible for enforcing the Environment Protection Act (1970). The agency works to establish environmental standards, regulate against these standards and work with organisations to meet the standards and go beyond.

MWMG support for business:

Waste Wise Melbourne Network

In addition to MSW related activities MWMG coordinates the Waste Wise Melbourne Network. The network supports organisations across metropolitan Melbourne (both large and small) to make better use of resources and achieve waste minimisation targets. Network activities are designed to help achieve these goals by providing members with a forum to share information and build skills.

Membership benefits include access to a range of forums, workshops and other activities designed to provide practical solutions and inspire change in the workplace.

Learn more about the Waste Wise Melbourne Network here.

Economic Development and Environment Network (EDEN)

The Economic Development and Environment Network (EDEN) was established by the Metropolitan Waste Management Group in 2009. It supports the 30 metropolitan councils to explore opportunities to engage with businesses in programs that focus on sustainability and in particular, initiatives that help small to medium enterprises (SMEs) improve their waste management practices.

Membership to EDEN is free. Two forums are held per annum.

Learn more about EDEN here.

Other useful links and information:

Find out more about Victorian Government programs and legislation relating to the management of waste generated by commercial and industrial sectors.

Some other useful sites to help your organisation reduce waste and recycle include.

Smarter Resources, Smarter Business Program

Applications are now open for the first round of funding for the Smart Resources, Smarter Business program. The program is designed to help medium-sized businesses identify and implement resource efficiency measures.

A Taste of Waste - the essential guide

Discover more about the waste and resource recovery sector in Victoria and how businesses interact with the waste hierarchy commonly known as the three-Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle.

Planet Ark Business Recycling provides information and links to help your business can arrange for the re-use and recycling of 90 different materials. You can also register services provided by your company.

ECO-Buy Limited is a not for profit organisation established to encourage the purchasing of environmentally preferable (green) products and services. ECO-Buy provides a range of membership packages, services and training for businesses.

Grow Me The Money is partnership between the  Victorian Employers' Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) and EPA  and helps small business become more sustainable, and save money on resource usage by following a 12 step program.