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July 2, 2005
By Mathew Murphy
Australia now recycles 48 per cent of packaging, less than most European
countries, Canada and the US, according to a recent report by the
Boomerang Alliance recycling group.
Victorian Environment Minister John Thwaites welcomed the move, saying
it would see more aluminium, steel cans, glass, paper and plastic
recycled.
The target will ease the burden on local councils, which spend $330
million a year on recycling. State governments will have to establish
partnerships with industry to recycle less-profitable products.
Boomerang Alliance spokesman Dave West said 1.8 million tonnes of
packaging went to Australian rubbish tips each year. The alliance is
made up of environmental groups such as Greenpeace, the Australian
Conservation Foundation and Environment Victoria.
The National Packaging Covenant agreed to yesterday means the volume
cannot be increased. It requires 25 per cent of materials now considered
non-recyclable, such as aluminium and paper composites, liquid paper
board and some plastics, to be recycled by 2010.
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Mr West said the alliance had been concerned that federal Environment
Minister Ian Campbell would oppose the 65 per cent target, which
compared with 80 per cent in Germany. Senator Campbell said the target
was challenging but realistic. All levels of government would have to
work together, as well as companies in the supply chain, waste
collectors and recyclers, he said.
Brand owners that choose not to join the covenant will be required by
law to take back and recycle their packaging. "This measure will ensure
voluntary action is backed with legislation that sends a clear message
to companies that don't meet their obligations," Senator Campbell said. |
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