Radical changes to waste management system proposed

Radical changes proposed to Western Australia's waste management system will promote recycling and halve the two million tonnes of waste being buried every year.

Premier Carmen Lawrence said today a report to State and local governments recommended initiatives to achieve the reduction within eight years. 

The initiatives proposed included assistance to enable all local councils to introduce domestic recycling services.

"The proposals will create a fundamental change in the way in which we deal with waste, and result in a cleaner environment," Dr Lawrence said.

"Also, by developing a recycling program on the scale proposed, we will be tapping into a new resource to stimulate the growth of new industries and provide new employment.

"We estimate that more than 3,000 jobs will have been created when a comprehensive program of collecting, sorting and reprocessing recyclables is in operation.

"In fact, the new system will generate enough recycled waste paper and cardboard to supply two proposed major recycling developments - a recycled newsprint mill and a packaging paper mill - which together would represent a $200 million investment."

Dr Lawrence said the report, The Western Australian State Recycling Blueprint, was prepared by a special committee drawn from Government, local councils and industry.

"Their findings and recommendations are in line with the policy initiatives outlined in the 'WA Advantage' economic program and when implemented will put the State in the forefront of waste management," she said.

The Premier said the report was being circulated to local councils and industry and conservation groups for comment.

She released the report today and invited public comments by July 17.

The 64 detailed recommendations included:

·         proposals for a new kerbside domestic waste-collection service which would allow recyclable material to be collected from all households;

·         a new system of local council charges for households to pay according to the amount of their garbage, with recyclable materials collected at no extra charge;

·         the establishment of 'material recovery facilities' at industrial sites around Perth, where all incoming recyclable waste would be sorted;

·         increased penalties to discourage littering and illegal dumping of waste materials;

·         a recycling program for Perth's central business district; and -

·         putting new recycling bins next to standard rubbish bins in sports venues, shopping centres and streets.