Media Release: SMRC presented with 2021 WA Waste Award

The Hon Minister for Environment, Amber-Jade Sanderson MLA awarded the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council the 2021 WA Waste Award last Wednesday night for its outstanding commitment to community waste reduction, reuse and recycling over 20 years.

The Annual Awards of the Waste Authority were held on 5 May, and acknowledge the top performers in WA’s recycling and waste industry.

This year, over 80 nominations resulted in 40 finalists competing across 10 categories, showcasing the achievements of individuals, businesses, government, schools, community organisations, not-for-profits and media outlets.

The SMRC was recognised for its benchmark Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) in Canning Vale.

In 2001, the project was designed to take advantage of a regional scale of economies which is not normally available to individual local authorities.

The RRRC uses a combination of new and existing technology to process recyclables, green waste and FOGO waste on the one site, which is unique in Australia. It also incorporates an Education Centre with viewing platforms and the State’s only dedicated waste audit facility.

Since commencement in 2001, the RRRC has processed 2.7 million tonnes of household domestic waste, produced 1.2 million tonnes of products for re-use, and diverted almost 1.8 million tonnes of waste from landfill at a consistent rate of 65%, significantly above many other local governments in Perth and ahead of state government targets.

SMRC Chairman Councillor Doug Thompson said the SMRC are honoured to be recognised for 20 years’ operation of the Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC).

“It is the cooperative approach of the member Councils of the SMRC that has allowed the vision to be achieved,” Cr Thompson said.

“This achievement reflects the commitment of our member Councils, their officers and our CEO and staff to environmentally sound waste solutions.”

Brendan Doherty, SMRC’s Executive Manager Strategic Projects, said these projects take a lot of time and energy to plan. implement and maintain.

“I would like to thank all of the staff that have worked at the RRRC over the years, particularly the front-line workers sorting the incoming waste,” Mr Doherty said.

“I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of the SMRC’s Regional Councillors and the Executive Group that made this project happen in the year 2000.”

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IMAGE: [L-R] THE HON MINISTER SANDERSON MLA, CR DOUG THOMPSON, BRENDAN DOHERTY, REG HOWARD-SMITH (CHAIRMAN WASTE AUTHORITY)

For further information please contact:

Teresa Belcher
Communications Manager
Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC)
Mobile: 0488 594 324 | Email

Notes for Editors

About the Southern Metropolitan Regional Council

The Southern Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) is one of five regional councils in the Perth metropolitan area and is a local government entity. The SMRC region currently spans 340km2, servicing 110,000 households with a combined population of over 288,000 people. The SMRC was established in 1991. Member councils include the City of Fremantle, City of Melville, City of Kwinana and Town of East Fremantle.

Since commencement in 2001, the RRRC has processed 2.7 million tonnes of household domestic waste, produced 1.2 million tonnes of products for re-use, and diverted almost 1.8 million tonnes of waste from landfill at a consistent rate of 65%, significantly above many other local governments in Perth.

The Recycle Right Education Program has also been helping to provide a clear, consistent and accurate message regarding waste avoidance, reduction, recycling and disposal.