“We are calling for five key actions:
• Expedite the establishment of a national extended producer responsibility scheme for televisions, via mandatory industry participation (as requested by the proposed industry plan).
• National regulation to mandate for the capture of burgeoning landfill greenhouse gas emissions.
• Expedite a national extended producer responsibility scheme for computers.
• Prioritise development of a recycling scheme for compact fluorescent lamps in line with the national phase out of incandescent lamps.
• Plan for the 2010 introduction of a national container deposit system,” said Jeff Angel, Director of TEC
“The Senate inquiry heard a lot of evidence from all key stakeholders and came firmly down on the need for action. Australia has lagged behind the world on this issue for too long. The meeting is an opportunity for some true leadership from our governments, let’s not see them waste it again. Take-back schemes that involve the producer in recovery and recycling efforts are essential.”
“If national action is too difficult then we need a key state like NSW (or a group of states) to take the lead.”
“Methane emissions from landfill are responsible for the bulk of greenhouse gas emissions from the waste sector in Australia. Regardless of whether waste is covered by the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS), methane capture should be mandated to ensure that this gas does not contribute to Australia’s emissions. An added benefit is that gas captured can be used to produce energy and run machinery onsite,” he said.
“With billions of containers dumped each year in Australia it’s time for a proven and sustainable way to recover and recycle them to be introduced. Ad hoc schemes like the National Packaging Covenant don’t work. The best proven method overseas and in South Australia is container deposits.”