Perth and Peel Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 (draft) and how it's going to impact you!

As a resident of Perth, I’ve been keeping an eye on the new Draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030. This plan is designed to change how we manage waste, focusing on waste avoidance, resource recovery, and environmental protection. Read along for an outline of the report and how it will affect you as a resident.

What is the Draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030?

The Draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 lays out some goals for Western Australia’s waste management over the next six years. Here are the main points:

1. Avoid Waste:

• The strategy aims to reduce the amount of waste we generate by 20% per person by 2030. This includes a goal of a 10% reduction in municipal solid waste (MSW), a 30% reduction in construction and demolition (C&D) waste, and a 10% reduction in commercial and industrial (C&I) waste.

2. Recover Resources:

• There is a target to increase the recycling rate to 75%. This includes specific goals: a 70% recycling rate for MSW in Perth and Peel, 60% in major regional centres, 80% for C&D waste, and 80% for C&I waste .

3. Protect the Environment:

• The strategy aims to ensure that no more than 15% of waste generated in Perth and Peel ends up in landfill by 2030. It also aims to move towards zero illegal dumping and littering .

Impact on Residents of Perth and Peel

So, what does this mean for those of us living in Perth and Peel? Here are a few ways this strategy might affect us:

1. Cleaner Communities:

• By reducing waste and increasing recycling rates, our neighbourhoods could become cleaner. Less reliance on landfills might help reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, leading to a healthier environment.

2. Economic Opportunities:

• The strategy could help develop local recycling industries, creating jobs and boosting economic growth. Focusing on recycling and resource recovery might open up new business opportunities in the green economy.

3. Enhanced Waste Services:

• We might see improvements in waste management services, including more extensive recycling programs and better infrastructure for waste collection and processing. This could make it easier for us to participate in recycling efforts.

4. Community Engagement and Education:

• There are plans to educate and engage the community on waste avoidance and recycling. These programs could help us make more sustainable choices in our daily lives.

5. Regional Benefits:

• While Perth and Peel are major focus areas, the strategy also addresses the unique challenges faced by regional communities. Improved waste services and infrastructure should benefit all residents of Western Australia .

Textile Recycling: A Call for Action

One area where the new draft report seems to fall short is in prioritising textile recycling. Since the last report, textile recycling has not received the attention it deserves, despite the growing problem of fashion and textile waste. Each year, Australians send approximately 23 kilograms of textiles per person to landfill, contributing to a significant environmental burden. Fast fashion exacerbates this issue, with large amounts of clothing being discarded after minimal use. It’s crucial to bring textile recycling back into the spotlight to address these damaging waste figures. SevenC’s Recycling is committed to aligning with the waste strategy’s goals by focusing on enhancing textile recycling processes and ensuring that textiles are diverted from landfills and reintroduced into the circular economy.

Public Participation: Have Your Say

The Draft Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 is now open for public comment. This is a chance for all of us to share our opinions, provide suggestions, and help shape a waste strategy that meets our community’s needs.

How to Provide Feedback

We can review the draft strategy and provide our comments until 5pm on 21 August 2024. Feedback can be submitted electronically through the online consultation survey available on the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation’s website, or by email to wastestrategyreview@dwer.wa.gov.au.