James Lawson: alumni profile

A love for all things rubbish. James Lawson (1992) loves everything there is to love about waste. From recycling to building a circular economy, James' passion for sustainable waste management has seen him travel the globe, lead local council waste management plans and win leadership awards.

You graduated in 1992, what have you been doing since leaving CCGS?
After graduating from CCGS, I undertook a Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons) in Environmental Management at Southern Cross University (SCU) and graduated in 1996. I loved playing rugby at CCGS and continued on playing for the mighty SCU Gold Rats, winning the premiership in 1993 and playing alongside former Wallaby Second Rower Justin Harrison.

I was very lucky to gain work experience and a short time later full time work for the newly formed Central Coast Waste Planning and Management Board for three years, where I was the youngest staff member of the eight NSW regional waste boards. This was an amazing learning experience first job out of university, taking board minutes, writing board papers, liaising with all the key government and waste contractors, as well as local councils. 

I have worked for government organisations including EPA, Wyong Shire Council, Gosford City Council, Newcastle Port Corporation and currently with the Central Coast Council managing the waste contract, which is the second largest in Australia, as well as being the Local Emergency Management Officer.

You’ve worked in waste management for a number of years.  Tell us about your passion for sustainable waste management and how the industry has changed? 
My passion for waste management started during the second year at SCU where I undertook a subject called Waste Management and I absolutely loved it, from the history, technology, legislation and science behind it. I did pretty well at that gaining a High Distinction and that was it. I was hooked! I did my major third year project on the logistics of waste and also did my honours year on waste.

Waste, and more particular recycling, has been in the media of late including the highly successful ABC show War on Waste, China tightening its policy accepting recycling, and recycling companies going broke. All these challenges have forced the waste management industry to innovate and there is certainly a lot of amazing advances. Another area which is gaining momentum globally is the push for a circular economy, whereby resources are used efficiently and importantly are reused, recycled and purchased.

What is the trait that has been most vital in helping you achieve a long standing career in the sector?
I would say passion for the sustainable waste and our environment and the willingness to continually research, study and participate. I have been lucky enough to have been recognised by both industry and my peers for my passion and leadership, including by the University of Newcastle with the Leadership Award. 

What do you think the future has in store for us and the way we manage our rubbish? 
Rubbish is an everyday part of life and the way we manage waste will no doubt change and be influenced by the demands of the community, government and matched by the innovation of industry. The management of these waste resources need to be smarter, cleaner and greener. Do I think the household three bins system will change? Probably not. But I do think the type of material that can go into the bin and landfill may change. Waste technologies advance all the time and I think we will see some exciting developments soon.

You are a Churchill Fellow. Tell us about this.
In 2005 I was awarded a prestigious Churchill Fellowship studying the role of alternate waste technologies and landfill overseas including visiting the UK, US, Canada and Italy. A Churchill Fellowship gives financial support to enable ordinary Australians from all walks of life the opportunity to undertake a period of overseas study that cannot be readily undertaken in Australia. I've attended the Sardinia Waste Conference, one of the world’s premier waste conferences, spoken to The World Bank, national, state and local government authorities as well as waste contractors. I would absolutely recommend looking into applying for a Churchill Fellowship as it provides the opportunity to further your knowledge, skills and networks in your chosen field.

Favourite memory of your CCGS years?
I have many favourite memories from my time at CCGS from Year 7 in 1987 to Year 12 in 1992. Couple of highlights were the weekly Nicholii house family meetings where we used to share funny stories and experiences with our group made up of Kindergarten, Junior and Senior school children. I loved all my sporting memories in particular, including the 1990 CCGS basketball tour of New Zealand where our team played our socks off, almost beating the number one New Zealand team. I also remember playing rugby in front of our home crowd at Erina and playing cricket at Paul Oval smashing the ball into the trees. But I must say I really enjoyed and cherished the CCGS family as a whole, particularly the year group going through the years together.

What is one piece of advice you would give your high school self?
I wasn’t a particularly academic student in Senior School but I always got by and achieved reasonable marks. Over time I learned to maintain a balance between study, work and play. The advice I would give myself if I had my time over is to have no regrets and give it your all.