SC6.11.1 Application

This planning scheme policy applies to material change of use applications which require assessment against the waste management provisions of the Development design code.

SC6.11.2 Purpose

The purpose of the planning scheme policy is to:

1. Provide general advice about achieving outcomes in the Waste management code.
2. State standards identified in the Waste management code for waste storage and servicing.
3. Provide guidelines about the preparation of a waste management plan.

SC6.11.3 General

1. In determining compliance with the Waste management code in terms of waste minimisation, waste storage and waste servicing, Council may require submission of a Waste Management Plan for certain types of development including:
   1. a residential use with more than 10 dwelling units
   2. business activities with a total use area greater than 500m2
   3. an environmentally relevant activity (as defined by Schedule 1 of the Environmental Protection Regulation 2008)
   4. construction or demolition of a building, other than construction of a dwelling house, or Class 10 building, and
   5. another use or activity where identified as having significant waste management requirements.
2. Council may also consider the following matters in assessing the appropriateness of waste minimisation, waste storage and waste servicing arrangements:
   1. the type of waste generated by the development
   2. the amount of waste likely to be generated by the development having regard to Table Sc6.7.3.1—Indicative waste and recycling generation rates for particular uses
   3. the minimum service levels required to accommodate the waste management needs of the development having regard to Table Sc6.7.3.2—Minimum waste service levels for particular uses
   4. the types of waste storage bins best suited to the needs of the development
   5. the required size of waste storage areas
   6. the need for and preferred location of waste storage areas and bin wash down areas
   7. the distance waste needs to be moved to a waste storage area and/or collection area
   8. whether the collection service will be kerbside or on private property
   9. the mechanism or pathway used to move bins to and from the waste storage area
   10. safe vehicle and pedestrian access to bins
   11. Guidelines provided by other jurisdictions including Better Practice Guide for Resource Recovey in Residential Developments by Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW, or similar, and
   12. a waste management plan prepared by a competent person in accordance with the Guidance Note – Preparation of waste management plans.

Table SC6.11.3.1—Indicative waste and recycling generation rates for particular uses

Table SC6.11.3.2—Minimum waste service levels for particular uses

SC6.11.4 Standards for waste storage outcomes

For the purposes of the waste management code the following are the standards identified in the code for waste storage areas.

1. Waste container storage areas generally:
   1. waste container storage areas must be attractively designed to minimise their visual impact on the streetscape and surrounding areas
   2. waste and waste storage bins must not be placed where they may impede safe use of any exit, exit corridor, doorway or stairway, under stairways or near any existing or potential heat source
   3. waste storage bins must be made of non–combustible materials
   4. where the storage area contains more than  two standard domestic bins, a waste wash down area must be provided for the regular cleaning of waste storage containers, which:
      1. is located such that waste containers can be easily moved to the waste wash down area and is not located adjacent to or underneath the eating or living areas of any unit or neighbouring property
      2. has a floor graded to fall to a drainage point located within the wash down area
      3. provides for drainage by means of a trapped gully connected to the sewer, and is designed such that rainfall and other surface water cannot flow into the wash down, and
      4. has a hose cock located in the vicinity of the wash down area.
   5. waste chutes may be provided for both general waste and recyclables and in particular for multi–unit residential and commercial developments of more than three storeys or 12 metres in height
   6. any waste chute and associated accessories must:
      1. be cylindrical with a diameter not less than 450mm
      2. have a bottom edge which finishes at least 25mm below the level of the ceiling in the waste storage room with a maximum of 300mm between the bottom edge (and any extension thereof) and the top of the waste container
      3. as far as practicable, be vertical throughout the chute length up to the level of the highest hopper
      4. discharge centrally above the waste container or compactor in the waste storage  room
      5. be continued in full bore above the roof of the building, but not less than 600mm above the level of the highest hopper
      6. be fully supported at each floor level and contained in fire rated shafts in compliance with the appropriate standards
      7. provide for access at appropriate levels to assist in clearing obstructions and cleaning with a nylon brush or similar appliance on a pulley system
      8. be ventilated in a manner that ensures air does not flow from the chute through service openings, and the flow of air in the chute does not impede the downward movement of waste
      9. where the chute is not continued to the full height of the building, incorporate a vent formed of non–combustible material having a minimum diameter of 150mm carried to a point of at least 2.0 metres above the eaves of the building or the eaves of any building within 10.0 metres
      10. incorporate a shutter fitted for closing off the chute in the case of fire or when the waste container is withdrawn that is:
          1. self–closing and constructed of galvanised steel sheet or other approved metal
          2. assembled with bolts, hinges or rollers of non–corrosive material so that it can be dismounted and re–assembled if necessary
          3. be fitted with a fusible link for automatic operation in the case of a fire in the waste container or waste room, which is selected to operate at a temperature at least 5 degrees Celsius above the operating temperature of the automatic fire control system installed
          4. be constructed of materials which are non–combustible and non–corrosive or otherwise coated / treated with a non–corrosive compound and of adequate strength for their purpose
          5. have a chute interior and chute branch and joints with smooth, impervious, and non–corrosive surfaces that provide uninterrupted flow for the passage of waste and are insect and vermin proof, and
          6. be part of a whole of waste disposal system, including all chutes, rooms, compartments and equipment that is designed and constructed so that the use and operation of the system does not at any time give rise to transmission of vibration to the structure of the premises, or odour in excess of 1 odour unit beyond the disposal and storage points.
2. Waste disposal points
3. Hoppers for disposal of waste into waste chutes must:
   1. be provided on each residential floor and be located in a freely ventilated position in the open air (e.g. a sheltered balcony or in a dedicated waste disposal room)
   2. be easily accessed by the occupants of each unit
   3. be separate from any habitable room or place used in connection with food preparation or living areas
   4. be designed and installed so as to:
      1. close off the service opening in the chute when the device is open for loading
      2. be between 1.0 metre and 1.5 metres above floor level
      3. automatically return to the closed position after use
      4. permit free flow into the chute
      5. not project into the chute, and
      6. allow easy cleaning of the device and the connection between the service opening and the chute.
   5. have the largest dimension of the service opening (the diagonal of a rectangular opening) not exceeding .75 diameter of the chute with which the hopper is connected
   6. have a surround on the wall around that hopper that is at least 300mm wide and made of glazed tiling or other impervious material with can be easily cleaned
   7. have a floor adjacent to the hopper that is paved with hard impervious materials with a smooth finished surface, and
   8. if located within a waste disposal room be ventilated and finished with an impervious material covered at all angles.
4. Waste container storage rooms are to be provided for the storage of waste in standard containers at the bottom of each waste chute and must:
   1. be located at vehicle access level, preferably away from the main entrance to the building
   2. not be located adjacent to or within any habitable room or place used in connection with food preparation or living areas
   3. be of sufficient size to fully contain the number of waste containers required to service the development
   4. provide for waste containers to be easily accessed for direct disposal of bulky items to the waste container
   5. provide for unobstructed access for removal of waste containers to the service point and for the positioning of the containers correctly in relation to the waste chute
   6. be the service point or be located within 40 metres of the service point
   7. be designed and constructed so that:
      1. the doors are close fitting, self–closing and not less than 820mm wide
      2. walls, doors and roof of each waste room are lined with non–combustible and impervious material with a smooth finish and a fire resistance rating of one hour
      3. the junctions of the walls with the floors are covered with the covering formed to prevent damage to walls by containers
      4. door frames are metal, hardwood or metal clad softwood, situated in an external wall
      5. door frames are rebated with a lock capable of being activated from within the room without a key at all times
      6. a hose cock and an adequate length of hand hose of a minimum internal diameter of 12mm are provided immediately outside the room
      7. unless refrigerated to below 4 degrees Celsius, the room has an approved mechanical exhaust system for ventilation or permanent, unobstructed natural ventilation openings direct to the external air not less than one–twentieth (1/20th) of the floor area with one half of such openings situated at or near the floor level and one half at or near the ceiling level
      8. automatic or other system for control of fire in the waste room meets Australian Standards on sprinkler installation
      9. the waste room is fly and vermin proof
      10. the floor of the waste room is graded to fall to a drain located outside and adjacent to the waste room as close as practicable to the doorway and drainage is by means of a trapped gully connected to the sewer with gullies positioned to avoid the track of waste container wheels
      11. rainfall and other surface water cannot flow into the waste room;
      12. artificial lighting is provided
      13. refrigerated rooms are fitted with an approved alarm device, located outside, but controllable only from within the room with all conduits concealed in the floor, walls or ceiling
      14. all equipment in a fixed position is located clear of walls and floors and is supported on suitable plinths or impervious legs
      15. any container storage and drainage racks are made of galvanised metal or other durable, impervious materials, and
      16. be well ventilated and have "hazardous waste" and "no smoking" signs installed.
   8. A waste wash down area must be provided for the regular cleaning of waste containers, which:
      1. is located such that waste containers can be easily moved to the waste wash down area and is not located adjacent to or underneath the eating or living areas of any unit or neighbouring property
      2. has a floor graded to fall to a drainage point located within the wash down area
      3. provides for drainage by means of a trapped gully connected to the sewer, and is designed such that rainfall and other surface water cannot flow into the wash down
      4. has a hose cock located in the vicinity of the wash down area.
   9. Council may require or accept specialised equipment in some circumstances, such as compaction equipment to minimise storage areas. Compaction equipment may be accepted for the following wastes:
      1. mixed waste (other than glass)
      2. cardboard or paper
      3. plastic or aluminium containers
      4. putrescible waste – provided a specialised refrigerated compactor is used.
5. Plans for the installation of compactors must be submitted for the approval of Council's Delegated Officer.

SC6.11.5 Standards for waste servicing outcomes

For the purposes of Acceptable outcome AO28.1 in the Waste management code the following are the standards identified in the code for waste servicing.

1. For on street servicing:
   1. where staged subdivisions are terminated with a dead end road, a suitable turn around area cul–de–sac shall be provided.
   2. 0.4m distance between each 240L wheelie bin is required for street service space
   3. Collection areas must be at the front of each property or a designated area that does not require the driver to exit the vehicle. (Trucks with side lift pick up on the left hand side)
2. Within the development site, vehicle servicing areas must:
   1. be capable of carrying the wheel load per axle of fit for purpose service vehicles;
   2. provide turning circles designed in accordance with AUSTROADS: design single unit truck/bus (12.5m) template, or the particular vehicle requirements, whichever is the greater; and
   3. allow vehicles to move in a forward direction at all times, be able to enter and exit the development in a forward direction, or include a turning area which allows the service vehicle to make a turn within 3 manoeuvres, and
   4. the service point for waste collection service is to be:
      1. clearly separated from parking bay and other similar areas
      2. clear of any hindrance to servicing by a lifter arm
      3. clear of a driveway and a pedestrian access
      4. not in front of a building entrance
      5. not blocking the vision of vehicles using the road or entering and exiting the site
      6. capable of being serviced on site while the collection vehicle travels forward upon entry and exit
      7. a designated area that does not require the driver to exit the vehicle except for bulk bins.
   5. for bin collection from within a building or structure:
      1. height clearance must be sufficient to allow for safe travel and lifting for vehicles and bins in accordance with Table Sc6.7.5.1—Bulk bin dimensions and Diagram Sc6.7.5.1—Waste vehicle specifications, and
      2. the grade of access/egress ramps must not exceed 1:8.

Table SC6.11.5.1—Bulk bin dimensions

Diagram SC6.11.5.1—Indicative waste vehicle specifications

Rear Loading Collection Vehicle

Front loading collection vehicle

Side loading collection vehicle

SC6.11.6 Guidance note: Preparation of waste management plans

1. Scope. This Planning Scheme Policy applies throughout the whole of the Gladstone Regional Council Area. The policy applies to any assessable development where the application and/or proposal are to be supported by a Waste Management Plan (WMP).
2. Objectives. To provide for the preparation of Waste Management Plans to:
   1. minimise the amount of waste generated, and
   2. promote efficient use of resources
   To provide a framework for the preparation and assessment of Waste Management Plans which enable Council to make consistent and fair decisions regarding development applications that:
   1. ensure waste is managed in accordance with ecologically sustainable development principles
   2. minimise the impact of waste on the environment and on human health
   3. minimise the amount of waste generated from all sources, and
   4. promote the use of wastes as a resource.
3. Rationale. Council and the community share the responsibility of ensuring that the environment is protected, and that resources are not used to the detriment of the quality of life of future generations. Responsible Waste Management is imperative in meeting this responsibility. Sound waste management can result in significant economic, social and environmental benefits. Responsible and effective waste management can achieve:
   1. more sustainable use of resources
   2. reductions in the amount of waste requiring disposal and reductions in waste disposal costs
   3. more efficient, and therefore cost–effective, works and operations
   4. greater workplace and public safety
   5. reduced legal and financial liabilities and improved community perceptions and relations.
4. Principles to be used in preparing the Waste Management Plan. The following principles should be used in the preparation of a Waste Management Plan.
   1. Guiding Principles
      1. Waste Management Hierarchy. The waste management hierarchy is a framework for prioritising waste management practices to achieve the best environmental outcome. The following waste management practices are listed in the preferred order of adoption and form the 'waste management hierarchy':
         1. Waste avoidance. Preventing the generation of waste or reducing the amount of waste generated. Examples of practices for achieving waste avoidance:
            – input substitution
            – increased efficiency in the use of raw materials, energy, water or land
            – process redesign
            – product redesign
            – improved maintenance and operation of equipment
            – closed–loop recycling.
         2. Waste re–use. Re–using waste, without first substantially changing its form.
            Examples: recovering solvents, metals, oil, or components or contaminants from catalysts and re–using them for a secondary purpose, applying waste to land in a way that gives agricultural and ecological benefits, substituting waste for virgin material in a production process.
         3. Waste recycling. Treating waste that is no longer useable in its present form and using it to produce new products.
         4. Energy recovery from waste. Recovering and using energy generated from waste. Example: Using waste as fuel to heat water and using the hot water in an industrial process or steam to generate power.
         5. Waste disposal. Disposing of waste, or treating and disposing of waste, in a way that causes the least harm to the environment. Examples of treatment before disposal:
            – employing biological processes to degrade material
            – employing a physico–chemical treatment to obtain a compound or mixture
            – blending or mixing waste to obtain a compound or mixture
            – storing or repackaging waste
            – employing thermal process to convert waste into a non–hazardous material.
            Examples of disposal:
            – disposal to a landfill
            – incineration without recovering heat or a secondary product.
      2. Polluter pays principle. The 'polluter pays principle', is the principle that all costs associated with the management of waste should, if practicable, be borne by the persons who generated the waste. The costs associated with the management of waste may include the costs of: minimizing the amount of waste generated; containing, treating and disposing of waste; and rectifying environmental harm caused by waste.
      3. User pays principle. The 'user pays principle', is the principle that all costs associated with the use of a resource should, if practicable, be included in the prices of the goods and services (including government services) that result from the use. Example: By using land for a landfill, a person is using a resource. Under the user pays principle, the prices for disposing of waste to the landfill should include the full costs associated with using the land for a landfill. These costs may include, for example, the costs of buying the land and constructing the landfill, and the opportunity cost of using the land as a landfill.
      4. Other principles. Other principles that apply to the preparation of and rationale behind a Waste Management Plan include: Intergenerational equity – means that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment is maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations; Ecologically sustainable development – means protecting the environment while allowing for development that improves the total quality of life both now and in the future in a way that maintains the ecological processes on which life depends; Continuous improvement; Full cost pricing.
   2. General principles:
      1. Tailoring the WMP to the proposal. The WMP need only be as complex as the proposal requires. Once–off, short–term, small scale or uncomplicated works should only need a relatively short and simple WMP. Conversely, larger proposals may require detailed planning, covering the different stages of the development, operations or works program. Every proposal has specific conditions and considerations and so in determining waste management measures, consideration should be given to: the nature and scope of the proposal, including the type, extent and life of the proposed activities, and the sensitivity of the receiving environment particularly neighbouring premises practical experience, knowledge and site conditions published information, and consultation with the Council and relevant government agencies.
      2. Preparing a 'user friendly' WMP. The WMP should be clear, concise and easily understood by non–expert readers, as it is intended for use directly by staff or contractors. The intent and scope of the plan should be clearly stated, remembering that precise objectives and actions are more easily achieved than broad statements of intent.
      3. Committing resources. The availability of necessary resources should be considered, understood and fully costed before commitments are made to waste minimisation measures. Staff awareness and training are essential for ongoing responsible work practices. All staff should be familiar with the provisions of the plan and the procedures particular to them that will achieve the objectives.
      4. Auditing. Where warranted by the size, life or sensitivity of the project, procedures should be established for audits of the waste management system to be carried out. An audit will review and establish the degree to which waste management measures are being met and will point out areas for improvement.
      5. Fitting the WMP into an overall Management System. The WMP could ideally be part of any overall Environmental Policy adopted by the organization that is to carry out the development or use. The relationship of the WMP to an existing environmental or other management system/ plan should be indicated. The WMP should be structured to complement existing management systems.
      6. Continual Improvement. Where warranted by the size, life or the sensitivity of the project the overall performance of an ongoing project or use can be improved as a result of ongoing management measures, technological improvements and improved operating methods. Applying this concept requires management measures to be reviewed over time, particularly when changed or new processes, products, services or facilities are introduced.
5. Documentation of Waste Management Plans:
   1. General. A WMP is a written description of what acceptable levels of waste generation are intended to be achieved or maintained and how it is proposed to achieve or maintain them. It is a working management document that establishes links between the potential for waste minimisation and measures to utilise such potential. A WMP should concisely describe the commitments made to waste management by:
      1. identifying all the aspects of the project which generate waste or involve waste handling, storage or servicing
      2. establishing practical and achievable measures for minimizing the amount of waste generated and managing the impacts of such waste
      3. clearly identifying authority and responsibility for implementing and maintaining these measures during both construction and operational stages of a project
      4. nominating acceptable performance criteria, and
      5. establishing procedures for monitoring and reporting.
   2. Indicative Scope. Where a WMP is requested to support a development application or required as a condition of development approval, the plan may include, but need not be limited to, the following:
      1. a map which locates the site in relation to any on–site or surrounding uses or other sensitive receiving environments, with respect to cadastral boundaries and topography
      2. a site layout plan and, if applicable, engineering drawings
      3. a description of the types and amounts of waste that may be generated from the proposal
      4. a description of other management practices which will be implemented to prevent or minimise any adverse environmental impacts (which may include temporary and longer term buffering measures, and rehabilitation or enhancement works)
      5. the monitoring procedures to be established and implemented, and
      6. performance criteria to assess the effectiveness of the management and monitoring program.
   3. Typical WMP Contents and Structure. The following provides a guide to the type of information that may be included in a WMP and how it could be structured.
      1. Introduction. The introduction to the WMP should set the scene by briefly describing:
         1. the project to which it applies
         2. why it has been written, and
         3. its structure and scope.
      2. Aim of the WMP. The aims of the WMP should be clearly and concisely stated, recognising that a WMP should provide:
         1. a framework for practically addressing and monitoring the waste generated by the proposal, and
         2. evidence that the works and operations will be or are being conducted in an environmentally responsible manner.
      3. Definitions and References. For the purposes of the WMP, any specific terms, acronyms and references used should be listed and defined or explained. Relevant legislation, government policies and Australian Standards which need to be complied with may also be usefully listed. All documents and records that are used in the WMP should be referenced.
      4. Identification of Wastes and Associated Management and Minimisation Measures. This section of the WMP should clearly identify the types of waste generated at each development stage or use and identify the requirements for handling, collection and disposal of these wastes. This section should also address the potential for wastes to be diverted from landfill and a description of the associated measures to achieve such diversion. Matters that should be addressed in the plan include:
         1. a description of the activities that may generate waste;
         2. the types and amounts of the waste generated for each development stage or use;
         3. the likely impact of the waste on the environment including on the amenity of surrounding land users;
         4. any hazardous characteristics of the waste;
         5. how the waste will be dealt with, including a description of the types and amounts of waste that will be dealt with under each of the waste management practices mentioned in the waste management hierarchy;
         6. procedures for identifying and implementing opportunities to minimise the amount of waste generated, promote efficiency in the use of resources, and otherwise improve the waste management practices employed
         7. procedures for dealing with accidents, spills and other incidents that may impact on the waste management
         8. details of any accredited management system employed, or planned to be employed, to deal with the waste
         9. how often the performance of the waste management practices will be assessed
         10. the indicators or other criteria on which the performance of the waste management practices will be assessed, and
         11. staff training on matters relevant to waste management.
   4. The Waste Management Plan Template should be used as a guide for any Waste Management Plan being prepared in accordance with this Planning Scheme Policy.

Appendix 1 - Waste Management Plan Template

Appendix 2 - Details of waste management: Ongoing management