No. 19 
Government encourages local businesses to recycle

Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Water, Simon Corbell, today announced funding of $483,000 over two years in the 2009-10 ACT Budget to develop a Future Waste Strategy.  

As part of this Budget initiative, the ACT Labor Government will work with businesses and waste service providers to investigate why they do not recycle more, and what obstacles they need to overcome to increase recycling practices.
 
“Household kerbside recycling is now close to maximum efficiency, with only seven percent of kerbside recycling materials going to landfill,” Mr Corbell said.

“It is time to turn our attention to new areas, especially business and electronic waste.

“Office buildings and shopping centres are large consumers of paper and other recyclable materials and can make a real contribution to the protection of the environment.”

Mr Corbell said the ACT Government had a proven track record of strong financial management and this latest investment showed its commitment to not only helping business during these economic times, but also protecting the local environment.

“Businesses are responsible for arranging their own waste and recycling services through commercial providers, however, anecdotal information suggests that around 80 percent of ACT businesses do not engage in any form of recycling.

“This waste equated to 110,000 tonnes going to landfill in 2007-08.

“Reducing waste to landfill from the commercial and industrial sector is fundamental in moving ‘Towards No Waste’, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

This initiative fulfils a commitment made through the Labor-Greens Parliamentary Agreement.

5 May 2009
Media Contact:		Patrick Cronan  	6205 0401(w)     0432 758 224(m)