The Tasmanian government is kicking goals in its bid to reduce waste and build a circular economy.
A Waste Initiatives Progress Report, released on 15 October, highlights the government’s work toward introducing a Container Refund Scheme in the state and improvements in the management of organic waste.
The government released a draft Waste Action Plan in June 2019. Roger Jaensch, Minister for the Environment, said the progress report shows the clear plan is already achieving results.
“Specifically, the report highlights our critical work towards implementing a Container Refund Scheme in Tasmania. We are committed to delivering a scheme that is convenient and accessible to all Tasmanians and maximises the number of containers returned and recycled rather than ending up as litter or in landfill,” Jaensch said.
“Additionally, the progress report highlights the improvements we are making in the management of organic waste. Too much organic waste is still ending up in landfill. That’s why we are investing $4.5 million to improve organic waste reprocessing capacity across our state and help us reach our target to reduce the volume of organic waste sent to landfill by 50 per cent by 2030.”
Legislation for the Container Refund Scheme is expected to be tabled in coming weeks.
Jaensch said the government was committed to introducing a consistent statewide Waste Levy to encourage the diversion of waste from landfill and drive investment in the circular economy.
A number of the government’s waste action plan initiatives were funded in the 2020-21 Tasmanian State Budget, others were announced during this year’s election, including support for the development of a state-of-the-art in-vessel composting facility in Northern Tasmania; support for the commencement of work toward delivering an organic waste solution in the South; introduction of crumbed rubber from end-of-life tyres into the State Road Resurfacing Program from 1 July 2022; and $3 million to partner with industry to establish a commercial crumbed rubber plant in Tasmania.
“As can be seen, by the work under way and our new commitments, we are getting on with the job of delivering the benefits of a circular economy for Tasmania, building confidence and growth in the recycling and resource recovery sector, whilst reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pollution in our environment,” Jaensch said.
For the full progress report visit: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/Waste%20Initiatives%20Progress%20Report.pdf
Related stories:
VIC Seeks Investors To Support Waste Management Plans
SA Plan For Future Of Waste Management
Bendigo Council Draft Climate Change Strategy