The 18th meeting of the Environment Protection & Heritage Council (EPHC) in Tasmania today resolved to introduce a ‘fluoro recycling scheme’ and to finalise industry schemes for tyres, computers and TVs by it next meeting in November. The EPHC also rejected the beverage industries calls to retain the controversial National Packaging Covenant as the sole tool to increase packaging recycling and will progress investigations to introduce a national container deposit system.
“This is a change from the years of inaction, but there’s a still long way to go. The ministers have recognised the overwhelming public support for more recycling and were clearly unimpressed by arguments from the packaging lobby, such as Coke. Supporters of electronic and tyre recycling who have been pressing for national regulation will have to work hard in the next six months to get the best result,” said Jeff Angel Director of Total Environment Centre.
Environment Victoria’s Production and Consumption Campaigner Fraser Brindley supported today’s decisions. “While there hasn’t been any final resolution today, Ministers have shown a willingness for progress that has been absent in recent years” said Mr Brindley. “We look forward to some concrete decisions by the end of the year so that Australia can take advantage of the green jobs opportunities available in recycling.”
“Ministers have begun to hear the community’s demands but we will still have to combat the beverage industry untruths and ensure the major economic benefits of recycling receive full recognition. We will be mobilising the full resources of the Boomerang Alliance and community’s support for recycling to ensure this unique opportunity is not squandered.” said Dave West National Campaign Coordinator for the Boomerang Alliance.