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WALGA’s Waste Management Newsletter
Issue 18 October 2022

Dreaming of Environmental
Regulation Reform?

Great timing. The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation is seeking stakeholder views on a program of regulatory reform that extends beyond 2023.

Feedback provided on the discussion paper Environmental Regulation Reform: A Strategic Review of Regulatory Delivery and Fees for Industry Regulation will help inform the drafting of amendments to the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987, including the development of a new Schedule 1 and related fee framework. The new Schedule 1 will regulate prescribed activities rather than prescribed premises.

WALGA will develop a draft submission on the proposed reforms for sector feedback and will host a briefing session for Local Government on Wednesday, 12October. Register here.

Closing date for submissions is 5:00pm on Tuesday, 13December2022

If you have any questions about the consultation process, or how to provide feedback, email the DWER EP Act Amendments Team or call on (08)63647000.

Image Credit: AdobeStock 247767714.

Have Your Say on Stage 2 of WA’s
Single-use Plastics Ban

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has commenced consultation on Stage 2 of Western Australia's Plan for Plastics.
Local Government and the community can participate in this consultation and provide feedback by completing an online survey, tailored for different sectors, registering for an upcoming information session, or responding to key questions in the discussion paper through a written submission.

Materials identified for phasing out include expanded polystyrene packaging, degradable plastics, barrier/produce bags, expanded polystyrene cups, coffee cups and lids, lids for cups, bowls and takeaway food containers, cotton buds with plastic shafts, and microbeads.

WALGA will host an information session on Tuesday, 18October to discuss the scope and impact of the Ban, and potential implications for Local Government. Register here.

The Ban on Stage 2 materials is intended to commence from February 2023. Transition periods could range from 6 to 18 months to allow businesses to use up supplies and adapt to the changes before the rules are enforced.
This consultation closes at 5:00pm on Friday, 18November2022

Email the DWER Single-use Plastics Team if you have any questions about the consultation process.

Image Credit: AdobeStock 372005139.

Nominate for the Officers Advisory Group

If you are a Local Government Officer, send in your nomination to join the Municipal Waste Advisory Council and Officers Advisory Group.

The Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC) is a standing committee of the Western Australian Local Government Association with delegated authority on municipal waste issues. Through membership of the Officers Advisory Group and MWAC, Local Government Officers provide advice which helps to inform advocacy, research and program development.

Current Vacancy
  • 1 Metropolitan Local Government Officer
Nomination forms are available here. Nominees are required to submit a completed nomination form, statement addressing the selection criteria and short curriculum vitae before 5:00pm on Friday, 4November 2022.

Please note that these appointments are for a two (2) year term and are open to Local Government Serving Officers only.

For more information, email Chantelle O’Brien Governance Support Officer or call on (08)92132013.

Introduction to Waste Management

WALGA has developed training to cover the identification and segregation of waste and recoverable materials, waste avoidance and education, and behaviour change in relation to waste management.
Waste management is an essential service provided by, or on behalf of, Local Government for households. This introductory course is suitable for Local Government Officers, and those in the private sector, directly or indirectly involved in waste management.

When: 9:00am to 4:30pm on Friday, 21 October. Register now.
Where: WALGA, ONE70, LV1, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville.

Email the WALGA Training Team to find out more or visit the WALGA website.

Image Credit: WALGA.

Clear as MUD

A new Guideline and waste calculator for multi-dwelling and mixed-use developments is now available.
In November 2020, WALGA received funding from the Waste Authority to develop a Better Practice Resource Recovery Guideline for Multi-dwelling Developments (MDD) and Mixed-use Developments (MUDs) with a focus on organic material recovery.

The Guideline and associated waste calculator are intended to standardise waste requirements, such as space for waste management infrastructure, optimal waste diversion, and minimal contamination across waste streams, when planning for new developments.

Find out more about these resources by visiting the WasteNet website.

Image Credit: AdobeStock 306960337.

Comment on PFAS Management in Australia

The Consultation Draft of the PFAS National Environmental Management Plan has been released.
Version 3.0 of the Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) builds on previous versions with the inclusion of new and additional guidance and standards on priority areas. This includes the management of risks associated with PFAS in resource recovery products and waste, and landfill monitoring.

Feedback can be provided through an online form or written submission. Consultation closes on Tuesday, 20December 2022.

WALGA will consider making a Submission. If you would like to provide input, email Rebecca Brown Manager Waste and Environment by Wednesday, 19 October.

For more information, email the national PFAS Team or call on 1800803772.

Image Credit: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Western Australia has the Last Laugh

The sale of nitrous oxide gas canisters is now restricted in WA.
Nitrous oxide is used as a medicine for the purposes of anaesthesia, sedation or pain management. In domestic and commercial catering settings, it is used as a propellant for whipped cream, to infuse flavours into alcoholic drinks, and to create mousses and foams.

There has been growing national concern over the apparent trend of recreational misuse of nitrous oxide gas canisters (aka nangs) for inhalation with evidence of potentially irreversible neurological damage seen with heavy and persistent recreational use of the gas.

A rising number of canisters are also being discarded in public places, as well as in general and recycling waste streams.

From 1 October 2022, nitrous oxide gas will be reclassified as a Schedule 6 (S6) poison and the sale of the gas will be regulated under the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014. In WA, S6 poisons cannot be sold to persons under 16 years of age.

The WA Department of Health have commenced consultation on further control options for nitrous oxide. Local Governments can provide feedback via an online survey, or through a written submission. This consultation closes on Friday, 11November2022

WALGA will consider making a Submission. If you would like to provide input, email Rebecca Brown Manager Waste and Environment by Wednesday, 19 October.
 
Read the media statement here.

Image Credit: Mark Waugh.

Set Sail for the Garage Sale Trail

Coming to a street near you, this year’s Garage Sale Trail promises epic stuff at 80s prices!
An estimated 300,000 Australians will sell or shop at over 10,000 garage sales across two big weekends from 12 to 13 and 19 to 20 November. With so many people getting involved, over 1.5‑million kilograms of stuff is sold and saved from landfill each year.

Wondering how to get your communities revved up? Look no further. A masterclass series of inspiring and educational workshops about sustainable fashion, renovations and circular economy led by the likes of Craig Reucassel,  Annabel Crabb and Richard Denniss will be taking place throughout October and November.

Check out the Garage Sale Trail website and get your neighbourhoods involved in Australia's biggest treasure hunt!

Image Credit: Garage Sale Trail.

HHW Program

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program was established to provide Western Australians with a safe, and free, disposal option for unwanted household products that contain chemicals or substances that can be harmful to people or the environment. Find out more here.
Image Credit: WALGA.
 

Bin Tagging Program

The Bin Tagging Program focuses on reducing contamination and increasing resource recovery from kerbside bin systems by using a combination of information provision, incentives and enforcement. Click here to find out how your Local Government can get involved.

WALGA COVID-19 Updates

Read the latest sector-relevant information as it relates to COVID-19. These ad-hoc communications are released as State Government announcements are made. Click here to access the archive. To register to receive these updates via email, click here.
Image Credit: WA Government.

Waste is the Word

 
Want to share your waste management successes, promote a new project, have a key question answered or collaborate with other Local Governments? We want to include your waste management issues in our next newsletter.
Submit your content to the WALGA Waste Team

Resources


WALGA operates prequalified supply contracts to access goods and services at market preferential rates. We have Preferred Supplier arrangements in place for a range of Waste Management, Parks and Gardens, and Environmental services to support service delivery and sustainability within the sector.
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ONE70, LV1, 170 Railway Parade, West Leederville, WA 6007
PO Box 1544, West Perth, WA 6872

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