Victorians banning non-recyclable packaging?
Environment Victoria have suggested banning non-recyclable packaging by 2010.
They also suggest phasing out, by 2010, non-recyclables such as polystyrene, laminated paper packaging, composite packaging that combines materials like paper, aluminum and plastics and all other such material and want State and Federal Governments to withhold Customs approval for the importation of goods in this packaging.
While the group has not assessed the costs of such a move, they insist “in most cases there are viable alternative packaging options.” The spokesperson, Mr Wakeham said the talking must start for the action to follow. He went on to say that “We’re concerned that it doesn’t look like the recycling industry and waste are going to be in the emissions trading from the start date, so we need to be talking abut complementary measures for them to reduce carbon emissions.”
Other proposals include introducing a national container deposit legislation, asking producers and retailers to rethink product and packaging systems, such as doing away with supermarket practices of segregating organic from regular produce through packaging – this can be achieved by labeling or other efficient ways, the group said.
Expanding reusable packaging, keeping recyclables out of landfill – “all councils should aim to collect all plastics” and other ways to “close the loop” of recycling to ensure all packaging waste is reprocessed or reused – and promoting home deliveries of products, which can remove the necessity for additional packaging on shop displays were also suggested.
Interesting how we cope with imports if this comes in! Children’s toys are one area that comes to mind and as most of these are imported this raises fascinating scenarios. I am all for it myself with an environmental hat on but ye gods, I am glad I am not trying to implement it.
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