❓ Hon Robin Chapple asks whether mining companies must adhere to the waste hierarchy in their waste management plans. The answer indicates the hierarchy is not mandatory for onsite waste managed under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, but is relevant to broader waste strategy targets.
AnsweredQoN 389Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the waste hierarchy as set out in the
Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007
, and ask:
(a) is it mandatory for mining companies to adhere to the waste hierarchy in their waste management plans for regulated waste, general waste, recyclable waste, wood waste, tyres, scrap metal and off-cuts, and sewage effluent and sludge;
(b) if no to (a), why not; and
(c) if yes to (a), how is this regulated?
Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007
, and ask:
(a) is it mandatory for mining companies to adhere to the waste hierarchy in their waste management plans for regulated waste, general waste, recyclable waste, wood waste, tyres, scrap metal and off-cuts, and sewage effluent and sludge;
(b) if no to (a), why not; and
(c) if yes to (a), how is this regulated?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
28 November 2017
Responded by
Minister for Environment
Response time
9 days
(b) The waste hierarchy is part of the objects of the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Act 2007. It is relevant in the context of moving towards a waste-free society by considering resource management options against the waste hierarchy under which waste avoidance and recycling are preferred over disposal. The waste hierarchy is also relevant to targets set in the Western Australian Waste Strategy: Creating the right environment. The strategy targets are for municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste and construction and demolition waste, but exclude wastes which are managed onsite under a licence granted under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The Waste Authority’s position statement on the waste hierarchy guides waste avoidance and recycling programs to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
The waste hierarchy is also relevant to targets set in the Western Australian Waste Strategy: Creating the right environment. The strategy targets are for municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste and construction and demolition waste, but exclude wastes which are managed onsite under a licence granted under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The Waste Authority’s position statement on the waste hierarchy guides waste avoidance and recycling programs to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
The Waste Authority’s position statement on the waste hierarchy guides waste avoidance and recycling programs to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
(d) Not applicable
The waste hierarchy is also relevant to targets set in the Western Australian Waste Strategy: Creating the right environment. The strategy targets are for municipal solid waste, commercial and industrial waste and construction and demolition waste, but exclude wastes which are managed onsite under a licence granted under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 . The Waste Authority’s position statement on the waste hierarchy guides waste avoidance and recycling programs to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
The Waste Authority’s position statement on the waste hierarchy guides waste avoidance and recycling programs to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill. The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
The Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy consultation paper released on 20 October 2017 proposes an increased focus on the circular economy and seeks input on whether the scope of the waste strategy should be extended to incorporate other types of waste. The community and industry are encouraged to make submissions regarding the future direction of the Strategy. (d) Not applicable
(d) Not applicable
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