Report 23

Western Australian Waste Strategy: Rethinking Waste

Agency responses

Waste Authority

The Waste Authority accepts the findings.

The Waste Authority remains committed to continue and, where necessary, improve focus of delivery of the Western Australian Waste Strategy and working with all stakeholders to guide Western Australia to a low waste society.

Western Australians are avoiding, re-using, re-processing and recycling waste at an increasing rate.

2015 targets have not been met. The Waste Strategy was a decade plan (2010-2020) which was adopted in 2012. In 2015 Western Australia is 3 years into a 5-year mid-term review.

The sector is in a transitional phase and directives vs voluntary schemes should be explored further.

Waste collection and processing arrangements vary considerably across WA. There are opportunities to achieve economies of scale and to coordinate significant supplies of waste. Experience in other jurisdictions highlights the benefits of aligning local waste planning with state plans and strategies, and providing coordination of procurement of waste services on behalf of local governments.

Long term planning of waste processing and recycling facilities that divert waste from landfill to promote the most efficient use of resources is needed. Improved alignment of local and State Government waste planning will benefit diversion from landfill and promote the most efficient use of resources.

Engagement, acceptance and awareness of the community is as important as the provision of physical infrastructure and collection systems. Consistency of messaging across homes, workplaces and public areas is a key fundamental.

The Waste Authority and the DER are not a ‘natural’ fit and this compromises the most efficient use of resources to deliver essential projects.

Department of Environment Regulation

DER supports the key findings that: progress has been made towards the delivery of the Waste Strategy targets; and improvements can be made to the data used for planning and monitoring. DER is developing amendments to the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Regulations 2008 to support improved data to assist in this regard.

DER notes the finding that agency roles are unclear leading to poor planning and reporting and delays in funding. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007 sets out the roles and responsibilities of the Minister, Chief Executive Officer and Waste Authority. DER and the Waste Authority are finalising a service level agreement and developing a governance framework and improved project management.

In relation to the finding on the need for good practice waste management planning and guidance, DER regulates waste-related prescribed premises under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 to prevent, control and abate pollution and environmental harm. The intent of DER’s guidance materials is to explain its regulatory role and industry’s obligations.

Page last updated: October 19, 2016

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