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Waste reform consultation papers released to guide Western Australia's waste management future

Feedback invited via online survey and community consultation session

Western Australians are invited to have their say on potential reforms to guide the future of waste management in the State.

The McGowan Government today released two consultation papers on waste reform in WA - 'Closing the loop: waste reforms for a circular economy' and 'Review of the waste levy'.

The proposed reforms support implementation of the 'Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030' and will help the State Government meet its commitment to having at least 75 per cent of waste generated in the State being reused or recycled by 2030.

'Closing the loop: waste reforms for a circular economy' outlines legislative proposals to improve waste management in WA including:

reforming landfill and solid waste storage facility licensing under the Environmental Protection Act 1986;

reviewing the application of the waste levy at waste facilities, including new measures to reduce long-term solid waste stockpiling;

targeting illegal waste disposal through new compliance and enforcement mechanisms; and

strengthening of waste reporting and tracking in WA to ensure the proper disposal of waste.

The 'Review of the waste levy' canvasses broader strategic issues related to the waste levy's design, including the geographical area of the levy, and a schedule of future levy rates. To allow time for the review to be completed, there will be no increase to the waste levy for 2020‑21.

Comment on the papers can be provided over a 12-week period via an online consultation at http://www.dwer.wa.gov.au/consultation/waste-reform-consultation

An information sheet about the linkages between the two papers, as well as the details of community consultation sessions can also be found on this page.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Stephen Dawson:

"The McGowan Government is committed to a cleaner, and more sustainable environment. Becoming a sustainable, low waste, circular economy is key for protecting our environment for future generations.

"The proposed waste reforms outlined in these two papers support the State Government's commitment to increase the reuse and recycling of waste generated in the State, and ensure human health and the environment are protected from inappropriate or illegal waste disposal.

"I encourage community and industry stakeholders to consider the proposals in the two consultation papers, as their feedback will contribute to the development of approaches to improve waste management."

Minister's office - 6552 5800