QLD Group Progresses Landfill Ban Discussions

A landfill
Industry stakeholders from around Queensland gathered at a workshop last week in Brisbane to discuss landfill disposal bans in the state.

Attendees highlighted the potential benefits and opportunities that landfill disposal bans could help facilitate, as well as identifying challenges for Queensland, particularly around economies of scale and transport distances.

The group discussed waste streams, such as concrete, tyres and green waste, and a staged approach for regional locations. These wastes were identified in the Cost-benefit analysis of the implementation of landfill disposal bans in Queensland preliminary assessment report to help inform the next steps. Workshop attendees also suggested other wastes that may be suitable in the future, such as metals.

A Department of Environment and Heritage Protection spokesperson said: “While discussions were positive at the waste stakeholder group workshop on 26 November, no decisions were made regarding the introduction of landfill disposal bans in Queensland.

“This is only a preliminary idea being explored by the government to help boost the state’s recycling efforts, by diverting common wastes from landfill to other markets for processing.”

The CEO of the Waste Management Association of Australia (WMAA), Martin Tolar, welcomed the discussions around the introduction of landfill bans for particular waste streams.

“While there are still a significant number of issues that need to be addressed in this process, this move represents a step in the right direction that should not only assist in the Queensland government achieving its recycling targets but, also move the industry closer to a nationally consistent waste management framework,” said Mr Tolar.

He said that the Queensland Government needs to consider any regulatory change needing to form part of a broader reform process.

“Additionally, consideration also needs to be given to the best ways in assisting the industry with meeting any new compliance obligations, as well as resourcing an effective enforcement team to prevent those that want to ignore regulatory requirements by operating illegally,” added Mr Tolar.

The waste stakeholder group has until February 2016 to provide final feedback. A final report will then be prepared for consideration by the government.

The preliminary landfill disposal bans assessment report can be viewed on the DEHP website.

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