The Western Australian Government is inviting public comment on potential reforms to guide the future of waste management in the state.
The state government has released two consultation papers – Closing the loop: waste reforms for a circular economy and Review of the waste levy – to support the implementation of its Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
According to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, the proposed reforms highlight the state government’s commitment to increasing resource recovery and tackling illegal waste disposal.
“The state government is committed to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Becoming a sustainable, low waste, circular economy is key for protecting our environment for future generations,” Mr Dawson said.
Closing the loop: waste reforms for a circular economy outlines legislative proposals to improve waste management in WA including:
— Reforming landfill and solid waste storage facility licensing under the Environmental Protection Act 1986.
— Reviewing waste levy application at waste facilities, including new measures to reduce long-term solid waste stockpiling.
— Targeting illegal waste disposal through new compliance and enforcement mechanisms; and
— Strengthening waste reporting and tracking to ensure proper disposal.
Alternatively, Review of the waste levy canvasses broader strategic issues related to the waste levy’s design, including geographical area and a schedule of future levy rates.
To allow time for the review to be completed, Mr Dawson said there would be no levy increase for 2020-21.
“I encourage community and industry stakeholders to consider the proposals in the two consultation papers, as their feedback will contribute to the development of approaches to improve waste management,” he said.
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