Visy to store SA recycling interstate after massive Wingfield fire, leaked letter shows

A massive fire at a Wingfield recycling plant has severely hampered SA’s waste processing – but a leaked letter reveals what will happen next.

Alternate recycling storage facilities both locally and interstate will be offered to councils after a fire destroyed part of a processing plant, according to a leaked letter.

The Sunday Mail has obtained a letter, sent by one of 11 affected councils Visy has contracts with, detailing a proposed plan to manage recycling from Monday.

The fire tore through Visy’s Wingfield plant on Thursday and left a damage bill in the millions of dollars.

“Today we received formal advice from Visy in relation to the fire incident and of their efforts to provide a solution,” it said.

The fire caused damage in the millions of dollars. Picture: Emma Brasier

Smoke was bellowing from the roof at the time of the incident. Picture: Emma Brasier

The proposed interim solutions, which were in a “planning and operational testing” phase on Friday, are for a local delivery point in Adelaide for council collection vehicles, a local baling solution and storing baled materials in Victoria and New South Wales.

Following crisis talks with the Environment Protection Authority, The Advertiser reported on Friday the company has been asked to either use its trucking fleet to transport the material to its interstate facilities or arrange for its storage in Adelaide until it can be processed within Australia or overseas.

The letter also states Visy is “investigating” the re-establishment of its former North Plympton site.

It said Visy should be given the opportunity to “provide continuity of service”.

Adelaide’s other major recycling facility is operated by the Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority at Edinburgh North.

Its chief executive, Adam Faulkner, said that on Friday it was operating at full capacity processing recycling for 10 councils and was unable to accept any other material.

Kerbside waste collection will continue, the letter said, but it suggested “financial and environmental impacts” should be monitored as the situation unfolds.

Local Government Authority chief executive Matt Pinnegar said discussions to confirm a short-term solution were ongoing.

“The LGA is waiting for Visy to confirm details around a potential short-term solution, and once we have this we will work with councils to support them where needed.”