Waste Management

Waste Management

Incinerator approval would incentivise waste, warn Greens

Wednesday, 9th January 2019

The WA Greens have warned that household waste incinerator plants in WA would have detrimental effects on the health of local residents and lock in a need to produce waste in order to sustain dirty energy production.

Greens waste spokesperson Robin Chapple said that incineration is the symptom of a State Government not committed to actually reducing the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.

“The approval of incinerators means that a certain level of waste must be produced in order to sustain that company’s business model. We already have renewable energy sources in the pipeline, that are clean and reliable as well as cheap.

“Burning off waste destined for landfill isn’t even a short term band aid solution, it is a quick fix that will screw over local residents and lock in the current disastrous amount of waste we produce as a state.

“The Government has a chance to look meaningfully at our waste production and ensure that we divert as much as possible away from landfill and into the various recycling streams available. There are high quality WA jobs to be created if we genuinely look at tackling our waste output.

“We are very concerned that incineration to create dirty energy is incentivising and placing positive value on producing waste. That is the polar opposite of what we should be doing.”

Media Contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

Greens offer to champion local council plastics bans through Parliament

Friday, 20th July 2018

The Greens (WA) have signalled that the party will attempt to shepherd local government reforms on use of plastics through the Parliament, in a move they hope will encourage other councils to follow the lead of Cottesloe, Fremantle and Bassendean among others.

Waste spokesperson Robin Chapple said that while he was disappointed that Labor has decided to vote against his Bill to ban single use plastics, he hoped that they would back up their comments regarding leadership at a local level and support councils that wished to ban plastics.

“It’s great to see councils wanting to take the lead on plastic reduction, and I will do my utmost in Parliament to protect their right to have local laws limiting the use of single use plastics.

“This is my message to local councillors: we will back you up in Parliament. When the Government fails to back widespread reform, locals have to make change for themselves and we will back you every step of the way.

“The Greens have a bill in parliament, right now, that would ban these unnecessary single use plastics.

“What the government needs to do is support this bill, we want to work with them to get it passed through the parliament because it gets rid of single use plastics.

“The Greens bill removes plastics, encouraging reusable alternatives to enter the market, providing more choice and more options for everyday people.

“There has been sustained pressure from the community, who have largely picked up the slack as far as waste reduction goes, taking it upon themselves when it should be the government that removes single use plastics.

“The amount of plastic in the ocean, in the bush, in the waterways and on our streets is shocking, we simply cannot keep going like this.

“By some reports, the volume of plastic in the ocean will outweigh all sea life by 2050. That should send shivers down the spines of everyone. The effect that plastic has on our environment is horrific, and so senseless when there are clear alternatives available.

“We are calling on the Government to support The Greens bill to ban single use plastics. It’s ready to go, right now.”

Media Contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

Senate report into waste catches McGowan unprepared: Greens

Wednesday, 27 June 2018

Greens WA Waste spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said that a Senate report released on Tuesday night into Australia’s waste crisis is a wakeup call to the McGowan Government, and that the Government now needs to come on board with The Greens’ bill to ban single use plastics in WA.

The Greens-chaired Senate Standing Committee on Environment and Communications Inquiry into waste and recycling released a long awaited report entitled, “Never waste a crisis: the waste and recycling industry in Australia,” on Tuesday night, all parties agreeing with the recommendations.

 Mr Chapple said that the release of this report coupled with the cross party consensus removes any reason for the McGowan Government to hold out on waste reform in WA.

“This report is ground breaking, it contains recommendations that could seriously improve and reform the way that we manage waste in WA.

“This report is clear: we must phase out single-use plastics, not just bags but coffee cups, containers, microbeads and the like.

“The Greens’ Bill to ban single use plastics is in the Upper House right now, it’s being debated tomorrow and I genuinely hope that the Labor party, the Liberals and the crossbench will come on board and show the kind of leadership that their federal counterparts have been open to.

“Last night we saw the WA Government release the plastic bag regulations, in which barrier bags – plastic bags without handles for fruit and the like – are exempt from the ban. The McGowan Government clearly isn’t listening and is taking the path of least resistance at a time when people are looking for genuine change.

“One of the most exciting recommendations is the call to establish a circular economy, in which materials are used, collected, recovered and re-used within Australia. This is what we need to move towards so that we can finally put an end to the senseless waste that has pervaded our country and the world for far too long.

“This is our message to the McGowan Government: the findings are clear, get on board with our Bill and let’s get this done for the sake of WAs, and the world’s environment.”

---ENDS---

Media Contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

 

Recommendations

Recommendation 1

The committee recommends that the Australian Government prioritise the establishment of a circular economy in which materials are used, collected, recovered, and re-used, including within Australia.

Recommendation 2

The committee recommends that the Australian Government shows leadership through the urgent implementation of the 16 strategies established under the National Waste Policy.

Recommendation 3

The committee recommends that the Australian Government prioritise waste reduction and recycling above waste-to-energy, and seek a commitment through the Meeting of Environment Minsters of all levels of government to the waste hierarchy.

Recommendation 4

That the Commonwealth and State Government agree to a phase out of petroleum-based single-use plastics by 2023. The scope of this commitment would require careful consideration and should be developed through the Meeting of Environment Ministers.

Recommendation 5

That the government establish a Plastics Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) to lead Australia’s research efforts into reducing plastic waste, cleaning up our oceans and finding end-markets for recovered plastic.

Recommendation 6

That the government commit to implementing the recommendations of the Senate References Committee Inquiry into the threat of marine plastic pollution in Australia, particularly in light of the need to improve plastic resource recovery.

Recommendation 7

The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with state and local governments to assist recyclers to increase the diversion of material from landfill; improve the quality of materials recovered through collection programs; improve the sorting of materials at recycling facilities; and assist manufacturers to increase the amount of recycled material used in production.

Recommendation 8

The committee recommends the Australian Government set mandatory targets for all government departments in relation to the recycled content of materials bought directly or provided by private contractors.

The committee recommends that state and local governments also pursue sustainable procurement policies to ensure strong domestic markets for recycled material.

Recommendation 9

The committee recommends that the Australian Government implement the 65 agreed improvements to the National Waste Report, and the data collection and analysis practices, as established by Blue Environment's Improving national waste data and reporting report.

Further, the committee recommends that the National Waste Report be published at least biennially.

Recommendation 10

The committee recommends that the Australian Government support state and territory, and local governments in ensuring effective education programs are available to assist the public in understanding how best to undertake recycling.

Recommendation 11

The committee recommends that the Australian Government implement a national container deposit scheme.

Recommendation 12

The committee recommends that product stewardship schemes established under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 be mandatory schemes.

Recommendation 13

The committee recommends that mandatory product stewardship schemes be established for tyres, mattresses, e-waste, and photovoltaic panels.

Recommendation 14

The committee recommends that the Australian Government extend producer responsibility under product stewardship schemes to ensure better environmental and social outcomes through improved design.

Recommendation 15

The committee recommends that the Product Stewardship Advisory Committee be re-established and that they be tasked with recommending products for listing under the Product Stewardship Act.

Recommendation 16

The committee recommends that the Australian Government assist state and territory governments to ensure that landfill levies in proximate jurisdictions are such that there is a no incentive to transport waste for levy avoidance purposes.

Recommendation 17

The committee recommends that the Australian Government support state and territory governments fully hypothecating landfill levies towards measures that reduce the creation of consumption and waste, and that increase the recycling of waste materials.

Recommendation 18

The committee recommends that the Australian Government work with state and territory governments to ensure the implementation of harmonised, best-practice landfill standards.

 

 

Greens urge McGowan to back plastic ban bill

Tuesday, 12th June 2018

The Greens have urged the Government to support a bill to ban single use plastics that is currently before the parliament in the wake of comments by the Premier in which he indicated that further restrictions on plastic products were on the way.

The Premier this morning replied to a question regarding banning straws, saying, “Yes… we are considering a lot more than that ... disposable plastic is shocking and I think the entire world needs to move towards getting rid of it.”

The Greens (WA) waste spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said that the Premier’s comments are welcome and it’s good to see that he is finally moving towards banning more single-use plastics.

“The Premier said that disposable plastic is shocking and I couldn’t agree more.

“The Greens have a bill in parliament, right now, that would ban these unnecessary single use plastics.

“What the government needs to do is support this bill, we want to work with them to get it passed through the parliament because it gets rid of single use plastics.

“The Greens bill removes plastics, encouraging reusable alternatives to enter the market, providing more choice and more options for everyday people.

“There has been sustained pressure from the community, who have largely picked up the slack as far as waste reduction goes, taking it upon themselves when it should be the government that removes single use plastics.

“The amount of plastic in the ocean, in the bush, in the waterways and on our streets is shocking, we simply cannot keep going like this.

“By some reports, the volume of plastic in the ocean will outweigh all sea life by 2050. That should send shivers down the spines of everyone. The effect that plastic has on our environment is horrific, and so senseless when there are clear alternatives available.

“We are calling on the Government to support The Greens bill to ban single use plastics. It’s ready to go, right now.”

Media Contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

 

WA must follow European Union’s lead and pass The Green’s plastic ban bill

Tuesday, 29th May 2018

In the wake of news that the European Union has proposed a ban on plastics, The Greens (WA) are calling for the WA Government to back a bill currently before parliament to ban single use plastics.

The Environmental Protection Amendment (Banning Plastic Bags and Other Things) Bill 2017, introduced by Greens WA waste spokesperson Robin Chapple would place a ban on single use plastics with appropriate exemptions regarding medicine and access issues.

Mr Chapple said that the Government should follow the lead of the European Union and support The Greens’ bill, citing the incredible impact plastic is having on the environment, ocean and waterways of WA.

“The European Union are going full steam ahead to ban plastics because they recognise just how harmful and unnecessary this waste is,” Mr Chapple said today.

“Meanwhile in WA we have a bill before parliament right now that all parties could come together to pass that would help address this urgent crisis.

“The Greens are calling on the Government to pass this bill, and follow the lead of governments across the world that are taking measures to avert the growing catastrophe that is plastic pollution.

“We know that by 2050 the volume of plastic in the ocean will be greater than the volume of sea life, which is a heartbreaking and catastrophic outcome.

“None of the products my Bill seeks to ban exhibit product stewardship, they exist purely for a few minutes convenience and will ultimately end up as landfill, litter or food for marine life.

“Removing single use plastics from the supply chain will create choice by opening up a market for reusable materials and cleaner, more sustainable options.

“There has been a clear groundswell of community action, with individuals, community groups and businesses taking carriage of waste reduction.

“The time to take action was years ago, so we have no time to lose when it comes to reducing waste.”

Media contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

Greens bill prohibits balloon release

Tuesday, 27 March 2018

The Greens (WA) introduced legislation this week that seeks to prohibit the use and release of party balloons outdoors, in an effort to amplify growing public momentum against indiscriminate plastic waste.

Environment spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC said the bill will provide clearer restrictions around already-discouraged littering.  

“I recently wrote to every single West Australian local government, asking if they had considered banning or restricting the mass release of helium balloons,” Mr Chapple said.

“To my surprise, 28 councils—representing a constituency of over 1.5 million people, more than half the population of Western Australia—responded and indicated that they had (or were willing to) debate the use of balloons in council parks and buildings.

“If the local governments representing over half of WA’s population believe the mass release of helium balloons is significant enough to consider restrictions, I believe the state government should follow suit.

 “The release of balloons is no longer an appropriate method of celebration, given its widely-accepted harmful effects in the environment.

“Every single synthetic latex balloon that has ever been released has come back down to earth. These balloons remain at least somewhat intact for up to 5 years, posing a threat to a variety of sea creatures who can see it as food.

“As it stands, anyone can inflate and release a helium balloon without any fear of consequence. This is because the current litter act only considers a balloon litter at the moment it touches the ground.

“If passed, The Litter Amendment (Balloons) Bill 2018 will consider the inflation and release of party balloons a littering offence. Officers will be able to issue a fine on the spot.

Media contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

Greens signal an end to single use plastics

Tuesday, 13th March 2018

The Greens (WA) environment spokesperson Robin Chapple will today table a petition with over 2000 signatures to parliament calling on members to pass his Bill to ban certain single-use plastics, due to reach second reading stage later this month.

Using the first opportunity of the parliamentary year to do so, Mr Chapple has signalled a clear legislative agenda shift for 2018.

Working with Sea Shepherd Marine Debris Campaign Australia to collect signatures, Mr Chapple said that the bill would create choice for consumers by limiting wasteful single use plastics from entering both landfill and the natural environment.

“We know that by 2050 the volume of plastic in the ocean will be greater than the volume of sea life, which is a heartbreaking and catastrophic outcome,” Mr Chapple said.

“None of the products my Bill seeks to ban exhibit product stewardship, they exist purely for a few minutes convenience and will ultimately end up as landfill, litter or food for marine life.

"What we are initiating is a simple legislative tweak that puts an environmental onus on retailers and makes life easier for consumers who are serious about reducing unnecessary waste.

“Removing single use plastics from the supply chain will create choice by opening up a market for reusable materials and cleaner, more sustainable options.

“There has been a clear groundswell of community action, with individuals, community groups and businesses taking carriage of waste reduction.

“Communities are doing the heavy lifting, whilst the government plays catch-up.

"I'm calling on the government to take this petition very seriously, listen to the people and ban single-use plastics.”

A copy of the petition and associated materials can be found at: www.robinchapple.com/banplasticswa

Media contact: Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

Air quality concerns raised: Greens WA

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Environment Minister Stephen Dawson can expect scrutiny of his decision to allow hazardous waste to be stored at an incinerator once parliament returns, according to The Greens (WA) waste spokesperson Robin Chapple MLC.

The medical waste incinerator in Welshpool will now double as a storage facility for other hazardous waste following approval from Mr Dawson.

“While incineration of medical waste is an essential service, hazardous waste incineration can have a major impact on air quality for nearby residents,” Mr Chapple said.

“I will be raising the issue with the Minister to ensure that only medical waste is incinerated at the Welshpool facility and other hazardous materials are processed appropriately with strict controls on air quality reporting.

“Minister Dawson can expect questions once parliament returns to ensure that this facility and similar facilities will be regularly and adequately reporting on emissions.”

Media contact:
Liam Carter – 0449 151 490

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