2021-03-10
The ACT Government is calling on the community to have their say on the updated standards for classifying waste in the ACT.
The ACT Government has undertaken a review of the current Environmental Standards: Assessment and Classification of Liquid and Non-liquid Waste, which was developed in 2000 and has not been reviewed since.
“The ACT Government is taking a proactive approach in reviewing Canberra’s current standards to ensure they remain contemporary and in line with current waste management practices,” Minister for Environment Rebecca Vassarotti said.
“The way we classify our waste is overdue for a review, which is why we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the current standards and aligned them with the NSW guidelines, which were last updated in 2017.
“Modernising our approach to waste classification will help protect the environment and streamline operations for waste generators, transporters and receivers, who operate across the ACT and NSW.
“Inappropriate waste classification and subsequent disposal has the potential for significant negative environmental impacts and economic costs to the ACT.
“Aligning our standards with NSW simplifies waste management, reduces waste categories and includes classification criteria for waste not captured in the current standards, particularly PFAS waste.
“I encourage Canberrans to have their say on the draft standards because every submission helps us improve our approach to managing waste and protecting the environment here in the ACT.”
The draft standards will be made available for a six-week public consultation period, starting today.
You can have your say on the Environmental Standards: Assessment and Classification of Liquid and Non-liquid Wastes draft on the YourSay website.