Expansion plan for Breakwater soil recycler

AN INDUSTRIAL waste recycling centre is seeking permission to expand its operations to process more types of soils at its Breakwater facility.

Mainstream Recycling has applied to the City of Greater Geelong for planning permission.

Mainstream presently accepts non-contaminated soil and water from street sweepings, construction activities and stormwater, which it recycles for use in activities such as landscaping and construction

It is aiming to accept more types of soil, which include “priority waste” under environment legislation that is produced from soil excavations.

The Breakwater facility would accept up to 8,640 tonnes per year of the priority materials and 60,000 tonnes of total industrial waste under its plan.

It would also continue operating 24/7, with most truck receivals on weekdays and peaking at mid-afternoon.

Mainstream would also have Powercor install a new electric power sub-station to replace a diesel generator.

Planning documents indicate Mainstream is presently operating at about a quarter of its site’s capacity and that the project would support government circular economy initiatives.

“Existing infrastructure at the site is being utilised to approximately 25 per cent of its capacity, and the facility therefore has potential to treat additional waste volumes, provided that markets and appropriate permitting are in place.

“With increased waste volumes and waste types, the treatment process currently used on site will continue as part of Mainstream Recycling’s ongoing operations and not require additional infrastructure, other than a power kiosk to replace an existing diesel-fired generator.”

The city is advertising plans for public comment until September 13.