This GECA standard is a modified text adoption of Eco Choice Aotearoa Licence Criteria for Construction & Demolition Waste Services EC-59-19 standard. This standard is intended to recognise waste service providers who reliably demonstrate great practices in construction and demolition (C&D) waste minimisation and management, and therefore deliver substantial environmental benefits.
C&D waste can be reduced by early waste management measures like source reduction or reducing the use of materials, salvaging and reusing C&D materials, recycling and converting into energy. This will not only divert waste from landfills but also reduce the burden on raw materials by use of recycled materials.
According to the 2018 National Waste Report, 20.4 Mt of C&D waste was generated in Australia in the year 2016-17 from the construction and demolition (C&D) sector. This was increased with a rate of 20% in an 11-year data period. C&D waste is also the largest waste category to process its waste materials to be recycled. In the year 2016-17, 43% of C&D waste was recycled in Australia, which grew by 34% in the 11-year timeframe. The C&D waste management is responsible for the Australian state and territory governments and not directly legislated by the Australian government. Therefore, all states have different guidelines, rules and regulations. GECA aims to recognise best practice for C&D waste services.
Modifications to the ECNZ source document have been made in order to maintain relevancy to the Australian environment. The principal difference is the replacement of New Zealand specific terminology and guidelines with terminology and guidelines relevant to Australia. A list of changes to the source document along with the justification can be seen, upon request to GECA.
This standard sets out the requirements that C&D Waste Services will be required to meet in order to be licensed to use the GECA Label. The standard is split into modules of criteria that differentiate environmentally preferable waste services. There are common criteria applicable for all waste services, then specific criteria for three distinct service types in the C&D waste industry; waste recovery service providers, construction waste generators, and demolition waste generators. The standard also defines the means to be used to demonstrate and verify conformance with each of the criteria.
The Australasian Waste and Recycling Expo (AWRE) brings together policymakers, professionals, educators, and industry thought leaders to share ideas and solutions for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
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