The WA Department of Environment Regulation (DER) is looking for stakeholder input on proposed changes to the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery (WARR) Regulations.
The consultation is on recommended changes to the 2008 rules include the requirement for record-keeping and annual reporting of waste and recycling data by local governments, waste recyclers and licensees of major regional landfills.
The data and records will enable DER to check whether the reporting body has complied with its reporting obligations and to audit the information reported as necessary.
The WA Government is proposing amendments to the rules due to gaps in the information collected through waste levy administration and on a voluntary basis through the annual Local Government Waste and Recycling Census and the Recycling Activity Review (RAR).
The consultation document executive summary states: “The provision of the waste and recycling data on a voluntary basis has resulted in an incomplete dataset due to variable response rates. It is estimated, for example, that less than 70 per cent of organics reprocessors respond annually to the data request for the RAR.”
“Improving waste and recycling data will promote well-informed and targeted policy and programs, and enhance the effectiveness of Western Australia’s Waste Strategy,” it adds.
Local governments, licensees or occupiers of landfills, recycling or reprocessing premises are encouraged to review the consultation document and provide their feedback.
The Proposed amendments to the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Regulations 2008 to require record-keeping and annual reporting of waste and recycling data consultation paper is available for comment until 26 August.