The Australian Government has this week introduced ‘landmark’ legislation that seeks to see Australia ‘take responsibility for its waste’ and establish a national industry framework for recycling. The Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 will phase in the end of the 645,000 tonnes of unprocessed plastic, paper, glass and tyres that Australia ships overseas each year.
At the same time, the reforms to the regulation of product stewardship set out to incentivise companies to ‘take greater environmental responsibility’ for the products they manufacture and what happens to those products and materials at the end of their life. Australian Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley, said the Bill will see the implementation of the export ban on waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres agreed by Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments in March this year. Assistant Minister Evans said the legislation will set out to improve the existing framework for product stewardship by encouraging companies to ‘take greater responsibility’ for the waste they generate through the products they design, manufacture or distribute.
“We are making it easier for industry to set up and join in product stewardship schemes. Yet where voluntary product stewardship schemes are not effective, or where they are not created in priority areas, the government will have new tools to intervene and regulate,” Assistant Minister Evans said. “Our legislative changes will transform our waste industry, meaning increased recycling and remanufacturing of waste materials which will create new industry and generate more jobs.”
Source: Circular Online
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