The Victorian government has introduced new measures to strengthen the state’s waste and recycling sector to deliver new services, such as the container deposit scheme (CDS) and four-bin recycling system.
From 1 July 2022, Recycling Victoria will oversee and regulate the state’s waste and recycling sector, following the introduction of the new Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Bill into Parliament.
The new legislation is part of the government’s $515m investment to reduce waste, boost jobs and increase the amount of resources by recycling.
These new measures will help divert up to 650,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill and boost Victoria’s economy by up to $6.7 billion by 2030, creating nearly 4000 new jobs.
“We’re implementing these measures to ensure that waste and recycling services are reliable, meet community expectations and contribute to Victoria’s waste and recycling goals,” said Lily D’Ambrosio, minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change.
“We know Victorians want to be able to do more to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and use resources wisely – this new legislation helps to do exactly that.
“These reforms will revolutionise household recycling, drive business innovation, and create jobs in the future – delivering Victorians a recycling system to do exactly that.”
The Bill supports Victorian councils’ transition to a four-bin household recycling system by setting standards on service delivery and the sorting of material.
It will also help deliver the new CDS, which enables people to return cans, bottles and cartons for a cash refund to increase recycling, reduce litter, and provide community organisations with opportunities to raise funds.
Recycling Victoria will be part of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, and will work with partner agencies, including Sustainability Victoria and the Environment Protection Agency.
Once enacted, it will improve the state’s recycling system, driving greater waste minimisation and resource recovery, while also protecting the environment and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
