|
Prev
|
Next
Objective
Recommendation
Key issues
Actions taken
|
|
Objective To improve litter controls. Recommendation It is recommended that the Department of Environment and Land Management reviews the operation of waste minimisation and litter control strategies currently in operation in other Australian States with a view to the development of policies that can be utilised in Tasmania. This review should include an investigation into the desirability or otherwise of the introduction of container deposit legislation. Key issues This information is available from Volume 2 of the last SoE Report (SDAC 1997), which can be downloaded. The final objective, final recommendation, and a summary of key management actions are detailed below. Actions taken There has been some progress in addressing the recommendation on waste minimisation and litter control strategies since the previous SoE Report (1997), including the following. - In March 2000 the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE) released a public discussion paper entitled 'Towards a Tasmanian Waste Management Strategy'. The Government adopted a reduction target of 50% of waste by volume to landfill by 2005 based on 1990 levels. The strategy aims to provide an integrated approach to waste management through tools such as economic incentives, stakeholder participation, education and appropriate landfill sites (DPIWE 2000). Once developed, this strategy will replace and build upon the existing Tasmanian Hazardous Waste Management Strategy and the Solid Waste Management Policy. It will provide a framework for waste management reforms.
- The Landfill Code of Practice (1996) is being replaced with an updated document that will reflect current world best practice and will provide operators with a framework for operation and rehabilitation. This document will be released in January 2004 with all operators of landfills expected to comply with the Code within a reasonable time frame.
- A controlled waste management project is currently under development to address several of the identified deficiencies in the State's management regime for these wastes. Among the key issues, is that lack of accurate data on controlled waste generation and disposal within Tasmania, which is a significant barrier to the development, monitoring and management of any modern waste management strategy. To facilitate improved data collection, a uniform waste classification and data collection system is currently under development. This project will provide the quantitative tools by which the effectiveness of waste minimisation and improved waste management programs can be assessed. This will assist Tasmania in meeting its national and international waste management reporting obligations.
- There has been a reduction in the number of licensed landfill sites from 99 in 1994 to 35 as at July 2003.
- There has been a significant increase in the proportion of Tasmanian households that recycle. Due in part to the advent of kerbside recycling in Launceston, the recycling rate for post-consumer newspaper jumped from 51.6% in 2001 to 72.4% in 2002.
- Information and understanding has improved since the previous SoE Report. DPIWE commissioned a study into disposal of solid waste at municipal landfill sites around Tasmania (Nolan ITU 1999).
- In line with the Tasmania Together goals, alternate methods of waste disposal are being examined which may see a reduced reliance on landfilling as emerging waste management technologies become available.
|
|
