Our Governance

TasWaste South is a joint authority established under the Local Government Act 1993.

All twelve southern Tasmanian councils are members of TasWaste South.

TasWaste South is governed by a Board with five Directors.

History

In 2020, 12 southern Tasmanian councils agreed to co-operatively work on waste management and resource recovery issues and projects.

TasWaste South started operating in 2021. It was set up for several reasons including:

  • China’s decision to restrict the importing of recyclable material

  • the Australian Government’s decision to restrict the exporting of recyclables

  • the placing into administration of the contractor responsible for processing recyclables (SKM Industries) in Southern Tasmania

  • the subsequent acquisition of SKM’s assets by Cleanaway in December 2019

  • Cleanaway’s commitment to accept the councils' recyclables for two years.

TasWaste South receives grant funding from the State Government through the Waste and Resource Recovery Board with funds collected through the landfill levy.

Image of colourful shredded plastic, ready for recycling.
Combined decorative image, showing cardboard recycling in a warehouse on the left, and a volunteer outside in lush green grass picking up rubbish.

In 2020, the 12 southern councils collectively signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enter an arrangement to work co-operatively on waste management and resource recovery issues and projects for the southern Tasmanian region.

Under the auspices of the MOU it was determined a joint tendering process would be undertaken for the procurement of a contractor for the processing of co-mingled recyclable materials.  Due to the nature and value of the contract, it was necessary for the councils to make application to the ACCC for authority to undertake a ‘collective tender of recycling services’. 

As a direct result of the ‘collective tender’, Cleanaway Pty Ltd was appointed to undertake the recycling processing at their Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Derwent Park. The contract is now administered by TasWaste South.

Subsequent to that process, a proposal was developed for the establishment of a new Joint Authority to manage the new recycling contract and progress other waste related issues for the region. All 12 councils in the region agreed to become members of the Joint Authority, now known as TasWaste South. 

Purpose

TasWaste South exists to lead change and innovation in waste minimisation, management and resource recovery across Southern Tasmania. 

Our objectives and goals are:

  1. foster sustainable use of resources.

  2. deliver efficient collection and reprocessing of resources.

  3. support opportunities for the circular economy to reduce environmental impact and grow Tasmania’s economy.

  4. provide a collective voice for Member Councils on the circular economy, resource recovery and waste management.

Image of a timber and metal waste bin in a public park. The bin is divided into garbage and recycling.

Regional bodies

TasWaste South is one of three regional bodies in Tasmania dealing with waste. The other two are Circular North and Cradle Coast Waste Management Group.

Rethink Waste Tasmania is an initiative of the three regional bodies, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government. It is the go-to place for information, waste management services and resources to help Tasmanians to Avoid, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle waste.