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REVIEW OF THE WASTE STRATEGY
 A review of the Western Australian Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy is currently underway with submissions set to close on 1 March 2018. Alongside the receival of online or written submissions, throughout February, government, industry and the community are being asked to participate in a range of regional and metropolitan workshops.
Dates for Perth metropolitan workshops are as follows:
For dates for regional workshops, a copy of the consultation paper and information on how to provide a submission, visit www.wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/about/waste-strategy/review-of-waste-strategy.
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From 1 July 2018, lightweight single-use plastic bags will be banned state-wide in Western Australia.
Implemented by the State Government, the ban will bring WA in line with South Australia, Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and the Australian Capital Territory, which already have plastic bag bans in place. Queensland has also committed to a ban from 1 July, 2018.
Each year billions of single-use plastic shopping bags are supplied nationally, with around five million littered in WA alone.
The State Government has released a discussion paper and is calling for public comment from the 20th December 2017 until the 9th of March 2018.
The community is invited to attend an information sharing session on the plastic bag ban, with a range of sessions available across metropolitan and regional areas.
For more information, including the discussion paper, as well as information about how to provide comment, visit der.wa.gov.au/your-environment/wa-plastic-bag-ban
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COMMUNITY AND INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT GRANTS
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The Community and Industry Engagement program (CIE) provides funding for the development and implementation of waste management projects, initiatives and events that promote the diversion of waste from landfill and/or recognise the adoption of improved waste management practices and achievements.
In 2017-18, CIE funding of $1 million is available through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account (WARR Account). There is no limit for individual projects within this funding availability.
For more information, including program guidelines and application forms, visit www.wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/programs/cie/.
Applications close 12 noon 12 February 2018.
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When putting items into your bins or dropping off different types of materials to drop off locations, it is important to follow the rules. Not doing so can pose serious risks to workers, as well as damage machinery which can lead to downtime and be very costly.
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The above photo is an example of what can happen if materials end up in the wrong place. The grinder at the Green Waste Facility at the Regional Resource Recovery Centre (RRRC) was substantially damaged by what is believed to be a number of limestone blocks, mixed in with green waste delivered to the RRRC. Before dropping off materials, remember to check everything is correctly separated. If you’re not sure where or how to dispose of something, visit recycleright.wa.gov.au or download the app for your smartphone.
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The end of January means back to school time for children across WA. If you are looking for some ways to reduce waste and save a few dollars at the same time, check what books, stationery and uniforms can be purchased second hand.
Some practical tips for the new school year include:
- Review which stationery items can be used from previous years. Rulers, erasers, sharpeners, pens and pencils are a great place to start.
- Can any books be purchased second hand? Gumtree or Sustainable Schools Shop, may have what you are looking for www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/
- Rethink what you have and how you package lunches and snacks. If lunches are sent in a lunch box, can it be used for another year? If you have previously used cling wrap and Ziplock bags for food, how about a reusable lunchbox? The variety available is huge, you are bound to find one to suit everyone in the household.
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UPCOMING TOURS OF THE RRRC
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After a busy January, our next community tour is scheduled for Saturday March 3rd at 10am. Come and see first-hand the machinery that sorts your co-mingled recycling and discover some of the alternatives to landfilling.
Bookings are essential – call Isabelle on 9256 9528 or via email tours@smrc.com.au
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Up to $500 is available to volunteer groups or individuals that participate in the Clean Communities initiative by collecting and separating waste for recycling.
Clean Communities contributes to the objectives of the Western Australian waste strategy: Creating the Right Environment by providing collection bags to volunteer community groups.
The bags allow the community groups to enable separation of the waste they collect and are consistent with Australian Standard bin colours.
Community groups and individuals that collect waste for recycling and composting through the program, can receive up to $500 based on the number of bags that they fill.
For more information about how you can get involved, visit wasteauthority.wa.gov.au/programs/grants/clean-communities
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