Published on 31 March 2021

Seaford Heights recycling facility gets $5.35 million boost

Household recycling in southern Adelaide received a massive boost today, following a $5.35 million federal government funding announcement for a Seaford Heights recycling facility.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the news today during a visit to the site, which is a joint initiative of the Southern Region Waste Resource Authority (SRWRA) – a subsidiary of Onkaparinga, Marion and Holdfast Bay councils – and Re.Group (an Australian recycling and resource recovery specialist.

The best-practice Southern Materials Recovery Facility (SMRF) will process at least 31,000 tonnes annually of ‘yellow bin’ recyclables and, thanks to Australian Government funding through the Community Development Grant Programme, it has the capacity to handle more than 60,000 tonnes.

This will allow the new facility to service other regional councils and commercial businesses from the surrounding area, helping to create a more resilient recycling sector for all of South Australia.

It will also meet the Australian Government’s commitment to build the nation’s recycling capacity and stop the international export of low-value material.

City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said today’s announcement was a huge win for the community and the environment.

“We’ve taken another big step forward in the transition from recycling to a circular economy,” she said.

“This state-of-the-art facility will not only deliver benefits for our ratepayers and local economy, it will respond to the impacts of climate change, joining the renewable energy hub being built next door at SRWRA’s emission-neutral landfill site.”

“Big issues demand innovative solutions and collaboration, and I’m thrilled to see our councils, SRWRA, Re.Group and the federal government join forces to deliver this much-needed project for southern Adelaide.

“This contribution is integral to getting this project off the ground and we thank the Prime Minister for being here today and for supporting this important project.”

SRWRA Chair Mark Booth said the project was only possible thanks to the collaboration and partnership fostered between local government and private enterprise.

“The unanimous support of our constituent councils has allowed us to fast-track this important project and place the orders required for the new facility to be fully
delivered and operational in the second half of 2021,” he said.

“The strategic need for a recycling facility south of the city, and for increased recycling capacity across the state of South Australia, has been understood for years; the leadership shown by Holdfast, Marion and Onkaparinga Councils means SRWRA can now make this project a reality.”

It is anticipated the SMRF will employ 18 people on a full-time basis for the next 20 years. These jobs require advanced manufacturing skills, and will see staff using
cutting-edge technology to process the region’s recyclables.

Re.Group Managing Director, David Singh said that these opportunities were vital in a jobs market recovering from COVID-19 and its associated restrictions.

“We’re really pleased to be in the business of improving recycling and creating new jobs in Adelaide,” he said.

“There’s a strong history of manufacturing and technology in the state and we’re really looking forward to tapping into the talent and capabilities of South
Australians to improve recycling rates and resource recovery in the region.”

The SMRF represents an investment of over $20 million on the Adelaide region, which will result in resilience in the state’s waste management and resource recovery capabilities.

The investment of Federal Government funding into local recycling efforts was also praised.

“We are thrilled the Morrison Government is supporting our efforts to invest in growing the Australian recycling industry and building local markets for recycled products,” said Mr Booth.

“This is great news or the environment and for the local community.

“We’re also extremely grateful for the tireless efforts of the countless individuals who have worked to ensure this project goes ahead – both within Government and in the
private sector.

“I’d like to especially thank the Member for Boothby, Nicolle Flint MP, who recognised the environmental benefits of the Southern Materials Recovery Facility, and without whom we wouldn’t be able to make this announcement today.”

Equipment for the SMRF is being sourced from RDT Engineering – a leading Australian recycling specialist, committed to maximising local fabrication of non-specialist items.

The design ensures that outputs from the facility are ‘COAG Export Ban-ready’, and meet the highest quality standards.

The facility design includes the latest in sorting and screening technology and has the capacity to convert recycled glass into sand for use by local councils in civil and road construction works.

The facility is expected to be operational by the end of June, 2021.

Mayor Erin Thompson with Prime Minister Scott Morrison