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Plastic Recycling June 27, 2018 01:30:01 PM

Parliamentary Committee Pushes For Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics

Paul Ploumis
ScrapMonster Author
Previously, Australia used to export up to 50% of recycling to China.

Parliamentary Committee Pushes For Nationwide Ban on Single-Use Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The report submitted by a Parliamentary Committee that studied about recycling crisis in the country has recommended that all single-use plastics be banned in Australia by 2023. The single-use plastics that fall under the recommended ban include coffee cups, straws and balloons. The Senate Inquiry report also suggests formation of a national container deposit scheme to tackle growing waste menace.

According to Greens Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, who chaired the committee, the report received rare tri-partisan support, with active inputs from all across labor, Liberal and the Greens. It is a blueprint towards creation of a “circular economy”. The report lays down clear pathway to stop piles of plastic, paper and glass being stockpiled or sent to landfills, Wilson said. Further, it defines new ways to reduce plastic consumption by customers.

ALSO READ: Supreme Court Nullifies Laredo City Plastics Bag Ban

Recycling industry in Australia has been going through tough times, ever since China imposed stricter controls on waste imports. Previously, Australia used to export up to 50% of recycling to China. Since the Chinese ban, recycling has begun piling up in collection centers or are being dropped in landfills. The report concludes by saying that the current recycling crisis has offered an opportunity to reform Australia’s waste system.

The report notes that the local, state and federal governments have failed, to a certain extent, in tackling the recycling industry crisis. The plan should have been implemented at least 10 years back. The report calls to implement sustainable procurement policies and setting of mandatory targets to government departments. It calls upon the federal government to coordinate with states so as to ensure that less rubbish reaches landfill. In addition, the government should also focus on improving recycling infrastructure. These things are not going to happen at once, but a plan needs to be in place, Wilson said.

Recently, the country’s major supermarket chain Woolworths had banned the use of single-use plastic bags. Its competitor has also committed to a similar ban starting July this year.

 

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