Strengthening the framework driving NSW’s circular economy
The EPA will improve the regulatory environment for a NSW circular economy following the independent review of the resource recovery framework.
A plan has now been released outlining the actions the EPA will take to address the independent review’s 22 recommendations.
Priority actions include improving the clarity of guidance materials for orders and exemptions, developing an innovation pathway and investigating pathways to enable an end-of-waste outcome for suitable materials. This work will include consideration of the current definition of waste and how it facilitates or hinders recovery and use of materials while ensuring protection of human health and the environment.
NSW EPA CEO Tony Chappel said this is an important milestone in our work to support industry in finding new ways to divert materials away from landfill.
“NSW has the potential to drive one of the most robust circular economies in Australia and we’re ensuring the regulatory environment is conducive of supporting industry to innovate.
“To achieve the NSW Government’s 2030 target of 80% resource recovery it is critical new pathways for these materials are created.
“We know we can get the right results – in 2020–21 of the 22 million tonnes of the waste generated in NSW we saw two-thirds of this recovered or recycled.
“But more work is needed – there are still many materials we don’t have recovery or reuse solutions for and we must support industry to divert more materials from landfill.”
“We look forward to collaborating with industry to find new pathways for recovered materials and achieve better circular economy outcomes for NSW.”
The delivery plan outlines the scope of proposed work, timeframes and alignment with other EPA priorities.
The EPA is committed to genuine engagement with stakeholders to develop and implement practical solutions that will achieve genuine outcomes.
