The State Government should assist Councils with the establishment of effective waste management practices, by undertaking the following:
- Assisting with identifying markets for recycled products.
- Provision of recycling guidance and expertise.
- Instigation of public education programs (GM 1993, 2000)
Costs of Waste Management
The principles of 'user pays' and 'polluter pays' should be applied where possible in addressing the issue of charging for waste management services.
The State Government should provide adequate resources for waste management to enable Councils to achieve associated legislative and community standards.
Local Government acknowledges the benefits of Life Cycle Accounting in identifying the true costs associated with waste management and will endeavour to implement it where practicable.
Recycling
Local Government is strongly committed to the introduction of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable recycling schemes.
Local Government resolves to become a signatory to the strengthened National Packaging Covenant. (GM August 2005)
For a copy of the LGAT Australian Packaging Covenant Action Plan 2011-2013 click here.
Local Government supports the removal of regulatory barriers that unnecessarily restrict the wide implementation of economically, environmentally and socially sustainable recycling schemes, waste avoidance and reduction, and materials re-use and recycling.
Local Government supports the development of expanded markets for recyclables through influencing government policy and committing to promoting and marketing recycled products.
Domestic Waste Collection
Domestic waste should be collected and treated in an effective manner to minimise the impact on community health and the environment.
Landfill Management
The development of landfill license conditions and standards should involve genuine consultation with Local Government.
The implementation of higher standards of landfill management should be phased in over time to allow for long term financial planning.
Waste Management Disposal Levy
In July 2012 LGAT Members passed the following motion at the General Meeting:
- That councils endorse the proposal to introduce a statutory waste levy of $10 per tonne to be collected via public and private landfills;
- That the funding be allocated on the basis of 20% to regional waste bodies; 10% to the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and 70% to the Waste Resources Funding Pool;
- That these arrangements be on the basis that the funding is directly hypothecated to waste activities and is not consumed into the State Government Consolidated Fund;
- That the Waste Advisory Committee be formally acknowledged within the legislation as having an integral role in the disbursement of funds from the Waste Resources Funding Pool, providing recommendations to the EPA Board in accordance with relative priorities in the Waste Resources Strategy.
Presentations and reports
LGAT presented at the Managing Waste in a Changing Climate Conference in Launceston, March 2009.
Attached is a copy of the Powerpoint Presentation and an audio reading of the presentation.
Powerpoint Presentation.
