From the National Executive Officer

AORA is a proud partner with the Solving Plastic Waste CRC (SPW). 

The SPW CRC was established in July 2024 as a 10-year cooperative research centre. It aims to solve Australia’s plastic waste problem by enhancing end-user driven collaboration that addresses current challenges across the entire plastics value chain.

Anyone involved in the recycling sector, including organics, knows the challenges of contamination in feedstock streams and the ubiquitous nature of plastic contamination. 

In Australia, an additional 158 kg of plastic per person is used each year, with only 12% being recycled and 84% going to landfill. A percentage of this plastic also ends up in other streams, such as organics, where it is very difficult to remove. 

At its core, the SPW CRC unites Australia’s research sector with industry, government, not-for-profit and other organisations to solve major plastic waste problems and provide an evidence base for new innovations for the sector.

AORA commends the work of the SPW CRC and is proud to partner in this important research. For more information, visit https://solvingplasticwastecrc.com/

Membership Renewals

It’s time to renew your AORA membership! 

Renewal invoices were sent on July 1 to the group admin of your organisation – if you have not received it, please let us know. 

We look forward to you renewing your membership!  And if you are not a member, now is a great time to join!  

Beyond the Bin

In the latest episode of Beyond the Bin, AORA NEO John McKew, breaks down a major issue right at the foot of our driveway – green bin contamination. Delve into what belongs in the organic waste, what definitely doesn’t, and what happens when we get it wrong.

Update on NSW Biosolids Regulations

In 2026 NSW EPA plans to replace its 2014 Biosolids Resource Recovery Orders and Exemption (RROE), which refers to the 1996 Biosolids Guidelines, to include measurement of and limits on several new chemical contaminants, including three types of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).

AORA provided comprehensive written feedback on a draft Biosolids RROE late in 2025 and continues to explain to the EPA the real-world constraints on biosolids resource recovery, and the potential impacts of EPA’s proposed regulatory approach.

Most recently AORA has started to engage with the EPA Executive Directors on key decision such as the length of the period between when the new RROE are gazetted and when new limits are imposed. The new RROE have implications for regulation of other recycled organics and the potential to influence regulations in other Australian jurisdictions.

An important development is that EPA have indicated an intention to introduce two new RROE, one for direct land application, and one for composted biosolids. The land application biosolids RROE will be gazetted in the next couple of months, albeit with a transition period of at least 6 months to allow both the water services and organic recycling industries to change their practices where necessary. The composted biosolids RROE will follow, likely before the transition period ends. While EPA have not yet flagged an intention to update The Compost Order 2016 or the Pasteurised Garden Organics Order 2016 to include the contaminants of concern, the presence of limits in a composted biosolids RROE increases the likelihood that customers (compost users) will request such testing and potentially refer to those limits.

AORA recommends that members start (or continue) monitor the contaminants of concern published in the draft Biosolids RROE  in all their composted products derived from wastes.  

Watch this space for further updates.

New Lincom Group Tasmanian Branch – Open Day

AORA partner, Lincom Group, is inviting customers and industry partners to celebrate its new branch in Launceston at an Open Day on Friday, 14 August 2026.

The new branch marks an important milestone for the Australian family-owned business, which has supported Tasmania’s quarrying, recycling, forestry, and material processing industries for more than 30 years. Establishing a permanent presence in the state allows Lincom Group to provide faster access to service, spare parts and technical support for customers across the region.

Visitors to the Open Day will have the opportunity to meet the local team, tour the new facility and see the Powerscreen CT80 Tracked Conveyor on display. Visitors will also have the chance to win a Powerscreen Chieftain 1700X scale model as the event’s lucky door prize.

“Over the years, we have built strong relationships with businesses across Tasmania and have seen first-hand the important work happening throughout the state,” said Stephen Watterson, Managing Director of Lincom Group. “Opening a branch is a natural next step for us. It means we can be closer to our customers, provide local support when they need it and continue building the connections that have been such an important part of our journey.”

Following the opening of branches in South Australia and New South Wales in recent years, the St Leonards branch forms part of Lincom Group’s continued national expansion and commitment to providing support where customers need it most.

Open Day Details
Date: Friday, 14 August 2026
Time: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Location: 11 Board Mill Drive, St Leonards, TAS

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to RSVP by Wednesday, 12 August 2026 by emailing sales@lincom.com.au.

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