Serving Our Members
Operating since 7 May 1948, the Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW (WCRA) has a long and proud history. As the world’s oldest known waste management employer association, we have established ourselves as a leading voice in the field, consistently at the forefront of emerging challenges, including transport, collections, recycling, processing and disposal. We are uniquely positioned to serve and support our Members with our extensive experience and deep understanding of industry requirements.
Evolving as Needs Change
Over the years, we have continued to adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our Members. In 2003, we merged with the NSW Road Transport Association’s Waste Management branch, consolidating our position as the state’s leading representative of waste and recycling contractors. This partnership provided the opportunity to hire an Executive Director with support staff, enabling us to expand our services with better advice, training and events. At WCRA, we take great pride in our long and successful history. We are committed to using our knowledge, expertise, and professional approach to continually support our Members and the wider waste management industry.
MILESTONES IN OUR JOURNEY
LOBBYING EFFORTS TO SAVE JOBS
Among our most noteworthy achievements was the successful lobbying of the NSW Government and EPA to ensure recovered fines orders and exemptions were not revoked. This had the potential to impact over 100 organisations, including large recycling businesses and SMEs. These organisations process approximately 2.85 million tonnes of construction and demolition waste and 1.24 million tonnes of recovered fines each year, with a value of around $500 million to the NSW state economy. WCRA’s lobbying efforts have helped protect as many as 1,000 jobs by advocating for fair and reasonable regulations for the industry.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES IN WASTE AND RECYCLING
We continue to strongly advocate solutions to recycling and waste challenges, including the impact of fires from batteries, the federal ban on exporting unprocessed recyclables – including the proposal to tax those recyclables and the need for our Members to obtain a return on investment. We continue to spend considerable time promoting practical solutions to handle these types of waste once they enter the waste stream.
BUILDING A STRONG SUPPORT NETWORK
WCRA continues to work tirelessly to provide its Members with advice, opportunities, and professional training programs to navigate the industry’s complexities. We remain committed to keeping Members informed and connected through regular events that provide opportunities for peer-to-peer support and connection. These events enable Members to remain updated with the latest industry trends and regulations. WCRA’s regular meeting schedule includes the Executive, ACT, Liquid/Hazardous, WHS, C&D, MRF and Scrap Metal groups.
LIAISING WITH GOVERNMENT
The waste and recycling industry has become increasingly complex, with many laws and regulations to navigate. We liaise with relevant local, state, and federal government agencies to act as a voice for our Members, who may lack the resources to understand government legislation. WCRA represents and supports Members of all sizes, providing training programs that meet the current and emerging issues faced by our industry. All training programs are referenced to the relevant regulations and standards, ensuring that our Members and their staff can access up-to-date compliance, training and support. Throughout our 75 years, WCRA has maintained a continued industrial registration with the NSW IRC and, since 2007, with the Fair Work Commission..
THE FUTURE FOR WCRA
Moving forward, the waste management and resource recovery sector continues to face numerous issues and challenges. We are experiencing a shortage of access to skilled and experienced labour due to lower migrant intake and the assessment of work-life priorities by many people. Increased regulations have also led to higher compliance costs, increased insurance premiums due to fires and a federal ban on exporting unprocessed recyclables. At the same time, Sydney is faced with a significant underinvestment in waste disposal infrastructure. The NSW Government, with an estimated $775 million per annum in waste levy collections, needs to assist in addressing this critical shortfall in infrastructure. Many of these issues are difficult challenges and we will continue to represent and service our Members with the latest information and updates. The development of training programs has been hugely positive for our industry, allowing us to provide training on relevant environmental practices and workplace safety. These resources ensure our Members receive up-to-date information to continue to deliver essential services. WCRA will continue to evolve and adapt to the changes that come our way, providing the resources and support our Members need.
FROM THE WCRA PRESIDENT
“Over the past 75 years, we’ve been able to unite various small waste groups into one strong organisation we know as WCRA. We’ve been able to provide our Members with access to professional advisors who can address issues related to legal, industrial, environmental and WHS matters. We are constantly looking to expand our partnerships and resources to better serve the needs of our Members as the industry evolves. We will continue to work hard to maintain this high level of service and support for our Members.”
Harry Wilson, President, WCRA
Phone:
(02) 9604 7206
Address:
Unit 2, 12-16 Daniel Street,
Wetherill Park NSW 2164