New report proposes solutions for Victoria’s waste crisis
An extra recycling bin, container deposit schemes and increased landfill levies could all be implemented in Victoria as the state struggles with the ongoing recycling crisis.
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An extra bin for glass, increasing landfill levies, turning waste into energy and container deposit schemes could all be implemented in Victoria as the state struggles with the ongoing recycling crisis.
A parliamentary committee report has made 46 recommendations to tackle the crisis, some of which will cost millions of dollars to implement and revolutionise the way residents deal with waste.
Committee chair Cesar Melhem said the recommendations will help Victoria “set new directions for the industry”.
“There is significant discussion about municipal waste, some of the issues of contamination and their impact on recycling, the impact and future of landfills in Victoria, and a range of other issues that have been raised in submissions and in public hearings,” he said.
“These issues include the introduction of a container deposit scheme, the development of waste to energy as a way of divert waste from landfill, the importance of education of the community in how to properly manage their recycling and waste, the development of a circular economy and product stewardship among other things.”
Reducing cross contamination of glass was found to be one of the easiest ways to improve the state’s recycling system, prompting the call for an extra bin.
“This bin would be separate from the standard co-mingled recycling bin and would ensure glass was not mixed with other recyclable materials at home, “ the report said.
It is on par with what premier Daniel Andrews had previously said, hinting a new bin was likely.
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Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien has unveiled his first major policy commitment, proposing household rubbish be diverted from the tip and turned into energy at hi-tech power stations.
The report comes after recycling giant SKM entered receivership with extraordinary debts, prompting a government loan for new owners to reopen the facilities.