Industry, distributors and end-users have been shocked at the recent decision by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to ban the use of mixed waste organics.
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The EPA, without any warning banned their use, immediately from October 26 leaving those who manufacture and use the product questioning why they were given no notice prior to the ban.
Mixed waste organic material/output (MWOO) is a composted product made predominately from organic material in household general waste – red lid bins.
It has been used on agricultural land for more than a decade and on mine-sties for rehabilitation purposes since 2010. In fact the product is mentioned in a number of Mine Operating Plans as part of their rehabilitation/mine closure process – plans approved by the NSW Government.
The ban means any product stored waiting for application must find a new ‘home’ with estimates putting the amount currently on Hunter mines sites in the many tens of thousands of tonnes. This product may well end up in landfill which is not an ideal solution
According to the EPA the reason for the ban was that peer reviewed research concluded that there are limited agricultural or soil benefits from applying mixed waste organic material at current regulated (10 tonnes/hectare) rates, but there are physical contaminants such as small pieces of plastic and glass and potential environmental risks.
In their report ‘ Alternative Waste Treatment – Mixed Derived Organics’ April 2018 however it states risks due to the use of MWOO to rehabilitated minesites was not the focus of the NSW EPA research program.
“The risk pathways for human or ecological exposure at rehabilitated minesites will be very different to agricultural land – MWOO could provide significant benefits and fewer risks in these situations, “ the report states.
Which raises the question as to why the product could not continue to be used on minesites with ongoing research and testing to evaluate its value and any potential risks and ways the product can be improved with a longterm aim of once again allowing it to be used on agricultural land.
Hunter Valley based mining companies contacted by the Singleton Argus said they were cooperating with all EPA requests and have ceased using the product. They are awaiting further advice from the EPA regarding next steps.
The MWOO ban is the words of an end-user and distributor a ‘stuff up’ which makes no sense and is not based on sound research and an understanding of agricultural systems.
Russell Brown, owner of the Gunnedah based National Farmers Warehouse, said the EPA report which led to the ban contains no conclusive evidence the product is dangerous.
“It talks about potential risks but never states that contamination actually exists – its all could be this could be that. And now we have banned a product that does work and does achieve waste recycling by returning nutrients from household waste back to the soil,” he said.
Mr Brown has used the product successfully on his own farm at Gresford as well as supplying broadacre farmers in the North West Slopes and Plains.
What really angers him about the EPA report is its discussion on toxins found in household waste.
“Now if they are really so bad doesn’t that mean every householder is at risk because all the products found in the red bin have been used or handling by people – surely we should start at the source of the problem not simply ban a composted material made from that waste,” he said.
“Isn’t the community more at risk in their homes if the toxins are so dangerous in their bins.”
He considers the ban a kneejerk reaction that offers no solution to waste management and what to do with the MWOO which will continue to be manufactured.
“We know it works its a great method of recycling nutrients and the Government has been encouraging companies to invest in its production and for end-users to apply the product,” he said.
“We are all in shock at the decision. In monetary terms it costs about 50 per cent less than conventional fertilisers which is a win for farmers and a win for the environment.”
“What the EPA forgets is applying organic material does not give an instant boost to agricultural production it takes time and their report only looked at one application.”
Mr Brown is hoping sense will prevail and the ban is lifted.
Louise Nichols
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
From cattle to coal. Once a specialist agriculture writer today its about community, in particular, the Upper Hunter. I have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. Land use issues and the future direction of our region. But you cannot take ag out of the picture - our food and how we grow it is the basis of all life. Covering the Hunter and Mid North Coast rural issues is now part of my role with ACM.
