Don't trash chance for a waste revolution
READ MORE
Unsurprisingly and perhaps reasonably, industry is seeking compensation for the costs, imposed by regulations and legislation, of transitioning to recycled packaging. One of the biggest producers of hard plastic packaging – milk crates, for example – has commissioned a survey that suggests people are far more enthusiastic about the notion of environmentally sympathetic packaging and consumption than they are about paying higher prices for it. Such research can be seen as self-serving, but that does not make it inaccurate.
Compensation issues associated with the transition from cheaply dumping waste on China to optimising its management onshore can be readily resolved. It should be seen as a rational, short-term investment of public funds into creating a profitable waste management system. Incentives such as tax breaks, and disincentives in the form of fines and deregistration, have a role.
There is a growing grassroots movement embracing reusing and repairing along with recycling in the move to better management of waste as the global population grows.
The government’s policy is yet to be finalised. Ms Price says it is ‘‘too soon for us to talk about’’ tax incentives and overall funding. Given Australia’s urgent need to catch up with best practice on waste management, that is a dubious position. She says it needs input from the states and territories. They have shown their readiness to advance Australia fairly into a cleaner, smarter future.
Comments
Post a Comment