Moving on NSW waste and recycling

Monday, 20 December 2010 16:38

New proposals for increased recycling from NSW Environment Minister Frank Sartor contain some good ideas, Total Environment Centre said today.

"The draft strategic directions and implementation plan proposes a better direction for the badly performing commercial sector; a welcome commitment to act on problem products like batteries if the Commonwealth acts too slowly; and improved planning for new recycling facilities," said Jeff Angel, Director of TEC.

"The intention to prohibit the landfilling of wastes such as electronic items where a producer take-back scheme is in place is another sign of muscle in the plan."

"With metropolitan landfills likely to be filled before the end of 2020 and a giant new wasteful hole in the bush at Woodlawn in waiting, we have about five years to get on top of the waste mountain, before we slide further back in the recycling stakes."

"We are concerned however that NSW lacks the bureaucratic capacity to deliver. Without good backup and clear focus, the bureaucracy could stymie good intentions.  The recycling leaders are found in business and the community, not government agencies and this is a cause for concern," Mr Angel said.