Commit to Recycling say Industry and Green Groups to Major Parties

Monday, 09 August 2010 12:25

Recycling and waste management companies have joined forces with green groups to call for a big boost to industry and environmental policies from the major parties for the 2010 Election.

“The recycling industry already delivers significant economic and environmental benefits to Australia and its contribution can be even bigger with some smart, targeted policies from the Commonwealth,” the groups said.  

“The first steps have been taken with the National Waste Policy under Peter Garrett’s watch.  We now need the industry development portfolios to join in to improve financial signals currently muted by policies and subsidies that encourage the waste of valuable material resources.”  

“Recycling has a big role to play in energy efficiency efforts because we avoid having to expend energy on mining and transport of raw materials. It makes the economy more efficient.    The industry can contribute even more than the current $12 billion pa to the economy and 50,000 jobs with an upgraded effort from the Commonwealth government,” said Rod Welford, Chief Executive, Australian Council of Recycling.

“The recent National Recycling Initiative Summit identified priorities such as a stimulus package to encourage investment and development of markets for products made from recycled materials, including recycled organic products which will improve soil carbon storage,” said Ron Wainberg, President of the Waste Management Association of Australia.  

“Recycling is at the forefront of the green economy.  It produces nine times more jobs per tonne of waste than landfilling.  It was unfortunate that the promised Product Stewardship legislation did not get through parliament before the election was called and it’s now essential the next government is committed to move quickly to tackle e-waste, batteries and tyres,” said Jeff Angel Convenor of the Boomerang Alliance of 17 environment groups.