29 May 2009

Going backwards on waste

| johnboy
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The Greens’ Caroline Le Couteur is drawing our attention to the release of the 2008 report
into the ACT’s “NOWASTE” strategy.

The report makes the following points:

    — the good progress to date in reducing waste to landfill is being eroded and landfill disposal is on the increase;
    — annual growth, demands annual increments in operating budgets, and future requirements for landfill capacity demands additional budgetary allocations of capital – on this basis, the waste budget cannot be held at the current level;
    — further progress in resource recovery is supported by economic assessment, but landfill gate fee revenues skew financial assessment against efforts to minimise landfilling of waste;
    — “No Waste by 2010” needs to be replaced by a more contemporary strategy and associated policy that does not rely on mixed waste processing as the underpinning technology to deliver the objectives.

Caroline, while thrilled to have finally got the report, would like something done about the findings:

    The report reveals that the progress made in waste reduction is in danger of regressing if emerging signs continue. It also says the Government cannot afford to go backwards or stand still when it comes to funding for waste reduction, or with its waste reduction targets.

    “Despite this – and the fact that the average waste to landfill per person in Canberra is increasing – the Government has failed to set improved targets this year.”

    “The Greens want the Government to improve its targets, to refocus on waste prevention and producer responsibility, to take strong action in the area of commercial waste, and to implement other Greens initiatives such as organic waste recycling.” Ms Le Couteur said.

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See here for data:
http://www.envcomm.act.gov.au/soe/2007actreport/indicators07/solidwaste07

It’s a bit of a read, but you’ll find the waste increases you seek buried in tables and in the first section (‘No Waste: 1994–95 to 2006–07 – recycling the jewel in the No Waste crown’)

Also interesting is that we now have another report produced last year but which was held back until this year. The first was a damning health report (mental health or disabilities, can’t remember which), and now we find this waste report should also have been available.

How much more did they not tell us about before the election?

Felix the Cat9:01 pm 30 May 09

ChrisinTurner said :

I understand that the amount of waste going to landfill is still increasing in the ACT. Does anyone know if this is true?

It stands to reason that if the population is increasing then the waste will increase by a similar amount.

I’m waiting for computer recycling to be made free (fingers crossed) – which is kinda reasonable given Canberra’s IT literacy and usage. Otherise I’ll have to wait until Dell offer it for free again… Anyone know if Dell are doing this again??

ChrisinTurner9:42 pm 29 May 09

I understand that the amount of waste going to landfill is still increasing in the ACT. Does anyone know if this is true?

green waste bins would indicate that stuff actually grows in Canberra, which my experience tells me is not happening much with the lack of rain. I have mowed my lawn twice in three years.

Even country towns in NSW have green waste bins. However, they don’t seem to have the trash pak service that runs in the ACT.

If the ACT Govt brought in green waste bins I imagine many of the trash pak businesses would go under.

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy said :

Over the border in God’s Country (Qbn and Jerra) we get a third bin for green waste recycling, as well as a free drop off depot in the middle of town (ie 5 mins from anywhere local) to take any and all green waste.

Fantastic scheme, ACT govt could learn something here…

The green waste recycling bin in QBN is a good idea.

I noticed this morning the sign on my apartment complexes’ bin area saying amongst other things that green waste should not be disposed of in the trash, yet there isn’t a convenient way to dispose of it…
If they were serious about “no waste”, they’d have a third compostable stream for grass clippings, leaves, vegetable waste etc. which if they were enterprising enough could be sold back to us once composted. (though policing the bins to ensure it doesn’t get contaminated with nappies, motor oil etc could be a challenge)

NOT-QUITE-SO-MUCH-WASTE BY 2010?

VYBerlinaV8_the_one_they_all_copy1:15 pm 29 May 09

Over the border in God’s Country (Qbn and Jerra) we get a third bin for green waste recycling, as well as a free drop off depot in the middle of town (ie 5 mins from anywhere local) to take any and all green waste.

Fantastic scheme, ACT govt could learn something here…

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