ASBG addressed a number of areas in the Options Paper for Victoria's Waste and Recycling Bill.
- An overall theme ASBG puts forward is that Victoria should work with the Commonwealth on Waste policy such as on the National Waste Policy and Product Stewardship. Requiring quality waste data has been a long term goal across Australia and Victoria citing this requirement is welcomed only if it is nationally consistent and adheres to nationally agreed definitions and made publically available.
- ASBG supports the formation of the Waste Authority and points to other similar bodies which have existed or currently do to help form a better legislative framework. Formation of recycling standards is also welcomed, but these need to be developed with stakeholders in mind and contamination issues are addressed at their sources. Business will be required to source separate.
- ASBG recommended that tiered approach be used that considers scale, location and type of business in enforcing separation in proportion to waste volumes and types.
- ASBG is concerned that Victoria wishes to include it own Extended Producer Responsibility and Product Stewardship schemes, when the Commonwealth is leading the way. Having different schemes for Victoria or simply a different product priority list would be quite difficult for Victorian suppliers.
- Having infrastructure planning managed by the Waste Authority is welcomed and ASBG offered advice on how to get unfavourable waste facilities through the planning process with community support.
 ASBG's Submission on Victoria's Waste and Recycling Paper 2020 | 622 kB |
