19 Mar Waste and Resource Recovery

Waste operators and councils face growing pressure to improve recovery rates, manage legacy infrastructure and respond to tighter regulation and rising costs. As long-term asset owners operating a highly regulated environment, modifications to development consents are often required in tight timeframes to respond to the need of site operations. EME Advisory delivers pragmatic planning solutions that keep essential waste infrastructure operating while enabling innovation in circular economy outcomes. We work across all stages – from feasibility and site selection to approvals, modifications and compliance – helping clients balance operational efficiency with environmental performance and community expectations.

Project Highlights

Western Sydney Energy and Resource Recovery Centre

Planning advisor for site selection and preparation of a State Significant Development Application for one of NSW’s largest proposed waste-to-energy facilities. EME worked with an integrated project team to coordinate multi-disciplinary inputs to address complex environmental, technical and community considerations.

Cleanaway – Elizabeth Drive Landfill (Kemps Creek)

EME Advisory prepared a Section 4.55(2) Modification to extend the landfill footprint and increase throughput, securing long-term residual waste capacity for Greater Sydney. The project balanced operational efficiency with environmental performance through integrated assessment, regulatory coordination and targeted stakeholder engagement.

Cleanaway – Kemps Creek AWTF

Coordination of modification approvals for new leachate management infrastructure integrated with the planned Elizabeth Drive Landfill expansion. EME ensured alignment across design, regulatory and operational interfaces, maintaining compliance and supporting long-term site performance.

Cleanaway – Erskine Park Landfill

Environmental planning and impact assessment for a Section 4.55(2) Modification to extend landfill airspace, increasing capacity by 650,000 m³ and extending site life by two years. EME led studies across noise, visual, stormwater and stability disciplines to deliver a compliant, sustainable outcome consistent with the NSW Waste Strategy 2041.

Global Renewables – Eastern Creek UR-3R Facility

Planning and environmental support for the transition of Sydney’s largest mixed-waste facility to Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) processing. EME guided the approval of infrastructure modifications and tonnage increases, enabling the facility to align with State resource recovery and net-zero objectives.

REMONDIS – Seven Hills Resource Recovery Facility

Preparation of a Development Application and Statement of Environmental Effects for replacement of on-site fuel infrastructure. EME’s work improved operational efficiency and safety while maintaining full compliance with environmental and hazardous-goods standards.

Re.Cycle – Strathfield South MRF Redevelopment

Approvals support for upgrades to enhance material recovery efficiency, including new conveyors, paper-polishing systems and improved weather protection. The redevelopment optimises processing performance and reduces environmental risk for one of Sydney’s key recycling facilities.