Voters support shift away from landfilling

Research commissioned by ecological transformation leader Veolia reveals that outside of the economy and cost of living, New South Wales voters are most concerned about the environment.

In a post-pandemic world, voters say environmental sustainability is a priority, and that they support investment in recycling and waste initiatives, to help prevent climate change – even if it means diverting funds from elsewhere.

Research shows that 75 per cent of people say waste management issues such as reducing waste, increasing recycling and minimising emissions, are of concern, while 67 per cent of people support diverting funds away from other key areas, to increase investment in waste management initiatives and infrastructure.

The NSW Government has set the roadmap for a sustainable future, with commitments to halve emissions, drive greater recycling, and adopt technology such as Energy-from-Waste (EfW) to reduce our reliance on landfills, all by 2030. This aligns with the Federal Government’s targets to recover 80 per cent of materials and reach net zero by 2050.

Veolia’s research reveals that voters are not aware of the government’s environmental agenda. Just 3 per cent of people say they are ‘definitely aware’ of NSW climate policies and only 4 per cent say they are aware of the transition to a circular economy.

When asked about globally proven technologies that allow for the shift away from landfilling, voters strongly supported it – 82 per cent of voters say that NSW should invest in Energy-from-Waste technology to reduce landfilling. Voters also want recycling and waste companies to play a greater advisory role on waste management initiatives.

Richard Kirkman, Chief Executive Office and Managing Director for Veolia Australia and New Zealand said the NSW public have a sophisticated understanding of climate issues.

“Numbers show that people want change, and they support the investment needed to make it happen. This is fantastic news because their priorities already align with policies that preserve resources and protect biodiversity,” Kirkman said. “Interestingly, those voters who were less supportive of the green agenda were motivated by economic matters. These voters overwhelmingly support initiatives that focus on creating jobs, driving new industries, and stimulating growth. This means that investments that deliver financial gain and employment – like the development of Energy-from-Waste facilities – also align with public motivation.

“Australia is one of the highest producers of waste in the world, and landfills all of its non-recyclable waste, which emits greenhouse gas emissions, and remains in the ground for generations. We need to move away from this – the voters want it, the government wants it and we are ready to deliver it.”

Veolia said there has never been better time for the NSW Government to drive forward their climate policies for voters by investing in infrastructure through more recycling facilities, and the quick adoption of energy recovery technologies to extract value from food organics in the form of biogas, and energy from non-recyclable waste, which helps to decarbonise.

Government should also work closer with the waste management industry and re-engage the public – closing the knowledge gap on existing policies will help everyone to play their part in moving up the waste hierarchy toward recycling and away from landfilling.

Across Australia and New Zealand, Veolia provides waste, water and energy solutions that help to prevent climate change. The company works with businesses and local authorities to help them reduce their impact on the environment and drive ecological transformation.

For more information, visit: www.veolia.com