The ACT Government has introduced new legislation to support a new legal framework to establish a circular economy in Canberra by keeping more resources in the economy for longer and creating more jobs.
“We have the ambition for Canberra to be a circular city where we value waste as a resource,” said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
“These laws will establish the framework supporting a circular economy in the ACT, where waste is reduced as much as possible and where we maximise the reuse and recovery of resources.
“It builds on the steps we have taken already to reduce the harm of plastic, and encourages the use of renewable, reusable and non-toxic resources that are kept in use at their highest value.”
Following the ACT Government’s successful phase-out of certain single-use plastics, the Bill extends powers to ban other problematic, non-plastic products.
“This recognises that, while single-use plastic presents a particular problem, non-plastic products and non-single-use products can also be harmful to the environment and human health,” said Minister Steel.
“Similar to the process for phasing-out single use plastics, when problematic non-plastic products are identified we will invite public submissions ahead of making any decision to ban them.”
The Bill introduces a new power to make a regulation on recyclable waste processing requirements. The initial intention is to use this power to require businesses that produce recyclable material to separate co-mingled recycling.
“Many businesses are doing the right thing by the environment by recycling, and this Bill will enable the Government to set a level playing field for all businesses, to ensure more resources are recycled and diverted from landfill,” said Minister Steel.
Draft Regulations released today also propose a waste reduction requirement for food businesses to implement food waste reduction plans, and new processing requirements to separate food waste and ensure it is recycled.
“It is estimated that around 9,500 tonnes of commercial and industrial food waste are currently going into landfill in the ACT, where it turns into methane and contributes to climate change,” said Minister Steel.
“A circular approach involves reducing food waste as much as possible in the first place, and then making sure that valuable food waste goes on to be reused, recycled or composted, and even used in growing more food.”
Consultations on a draft regulation and comprehensive regulatory impact statement (RIS) have been prepared to assist impacted stakeholders, business and industry.
The RIS finds that there will be substantial benefits for the environment, emissions reduction, the waste management industry and food rescue organisations, with the regulations prolonging the lifespan of the ACT’s landfill.
“The ACT Government will consult on the implementation and timing of the regulations as well as the scope of businesses it will apply to,” said Minister Steel.
“These laws are just part of the ACT Government’s 53 actions that we have identified to build a circular economy in Canberra, outlined in our Circular Economy Strategy and Action Plan.”
Consultation on the Draft Regulation has begun with community and business on yoursay.act.gov.au.
The delivery of Circular Economy Legislation is a Parliamentary Agreement item.
