Australia’s first operational energy recovery facility says it has diverted more than 500,000 tonnes of Perth and Peel’s residual waste from landfill.

ACCIONA’s Kwinana Energy Recovery has now generated enough electricity to power about 60,000 homes and recovered 8000 tonnes of valuable metal for recycling.

The facility uses globally recognised technology to process non-recyclable waste and generate clean energy for the WA grid.

General manager mechanical and electrical Jose Sorto said the facility had achieved this milestone while being fully compliant with strict environmental regulation, reporting no non-compliances in 2025.

“While it’s early days, the results are promising,” he said.

“Kwinana Energy Recovery continues to set the benchmark for how large-scale, first-of-kind infrastructure can operate transparently, responsibly and in alignment with regulatory expectations.

“Unlike landfill, which produces methane and requires long-term land use, energy recovery generates electricity under tightly controlled emissions standards. Every tonne processed is supporting a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Hitting the 500,000 tonne milestone has supported WA’s 2030 goal of sending no more than 15 per cent of Perth and Peel’s waste to landfill.

Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia CEO Gayle Sloan said energy recovery was an essential component of an integrated resource recovery system.

“It complements waste avoidance, reuse and recycling by providing a safe and environmentally responsible solution for residual waste, reducing landfill dependence while recovering valuable energy,” she said.

“The technology is well established internationally, with decades of successful operation across Europe and the UK.

“Australia’s facilities incorporate world-leading emissions controls, continuous monitoring and rigorous regulatory oversight, ensuring they operate to the highest environmental standards.”