WA’s New Waste Strategy: Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030

Western Australia (WA) has a new plan to handle waste more sustainably and help protect our environment. The plan is called the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030, and it aims to make our state a leader in reducing waste and recycling more.

This guide will explain what the plan is about, what it hopes to achieve, and how it will work.

What is the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030?

The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 is a roadmap for how WA will manage waste over the next decade. The plan has three main goals:

1. Avoid Waste
   Encourage people and businesses to create less waste in the first place.
2. Recover Resources
   Increase the amount of waste that gets recycled and reused instead of being thrown away.
3. Protect the Environment
   Ensure that waste is managed in a way that protects our natural surroundings.

What are the Targets?

To make these goals clear and measurable, the strategy sets specific targets for reducing waste and increasing recycling by certain dates:

By 2025

• Reduce the amount of waste each person generates by 10%.
• Increase the amount of waste recycled to 70%.

By 2030

• Reduce the amount of waste each person generates by 20%.
• Increase the amount of waste recycled to 75%.
• Ensure no more than 15% of waste in Perth and Peel ends up in landfills.

From 2020 onwards, the plan also includes only using waste that can’t be recycled to produce energy.

How Will the Strategy Be Implemented?

The strategy outlines several actions and programs to reach these goals. Here are the key components:

Three-Bin Kerbside System

One major initiative is the introduction of a three-bin system for households in Perth and Peel by 2025. This means that households will separate their waste into three different bins:

1. General Waste
   For items that can’t be recycled or composted.
2. Recyclables
   For materials like paper, cardboard, glass, and certain plastics.
3. Organic Waste
   For food scraps and garden waste, which can be composted.

This system helps ensure that more materials are properly sorted and recycled.

Local Government Waste Plans

Local councils will create their waste management plans to support the overall state strategy. These plans will be tailored to meet the needs and conditions of each community, ensuring a unified effort across WA.

Sustainable Procurement

The strategy encourages businesses and government agencies to buy products that are durable, repairable, and recyclable. This practice will help create demand for sustainable products and support the circular economy.

Infrastructure Investments

To support better waste management, the state will invest in new facilities and technologies. This includes:

• Building advanced recycling centres
• Composting plants
• Facilities that can convert waste into energy

Funding for Resource Recovery

The government will provide funding for projects that help recover more materials from waste. This funding will support research and development of new technologies and processes for recycling and waste management.

Action Plan and Guidance

The strategy includes a detailed action plan that outlines the steps needed to reach the goals. It also provides guidance documents to help businesses, local governments, and the community understand and implement the best practices for waste management.

Continuous Improvement and Public Involvement

The strategy is not static; it will be regularly updated to reflect new information, technologies, and feedback from the public. The latest draft update, released in May 2024, is currently open for public consultation until August 21, 2024.

This is an opportunity for everyone to have a say in how WA manages waste in the future.

Why is This Important?

Managing waste effectively is crucial for protecting our environment. Reducing waste and increasing recycling can:

• Save Resources
  Recycling materials like paper, glass, and metals uses less energy and raw materials than producing new ones.
• Reduce Pollution
  Proper waste management helps prevent pollution of our air, water, and soil.
• Fight Climate Change
  Reducing waste and increasing recycling can lower greenhouse gas emissions.

How Can You Get Involved?

Everyone has a role to play in achieving the goals of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030. Here are some simple steps you can take:

• Reduce Waste
  Be mindful of what you buy and try to choose products with less packaging. Reuse items whenever possible.
• Recycle Right
  Make sure you know what can and cannot be recycled in your area. Properly sorting your waste helps ensure that more materials are recycled.
• Compost
  If you have space, consider composting your food and garden waste. This keeps organic materials out of landfills and provides valuable nutrients for your garden.

The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 is a bold plan that sets WA on a path towards a more sustainable future. By reducing waste, increasing recycling, and protecting our environment, we can create a healthier and more sustainable community.

For more information and to participate in the public consultation, visit the Waste Authority WA website. Your feedback can help shape the future of waste management in WA.

Together, we can make a difference and ensure a cleaner, greener WA for generations to come.

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