FAQs

Since the commencement of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 in 2010, there have been significant changes that warrant a review of the policy. This includes government commitments to a circular economy and net zero emissions. Consideration of policy objectives and measures to support SA’s transition to a more circular economy and achieve net zero emissions, are key aspects of this review.

In addition, as the scope and ambition in resource recovery has increased over time, significant new and emerging waste management issues have arisen. A contemporary and effective regulatory framework can strengthen implementation and enforcement, give regulatory certainty for investment, and drive the development of a circular economy.

The objective of this review is to support a circular economy in SA, through a contemporary and effective regulatory framework that:

1.    contributes to the reduction in the rate of climate change by limiting, reducing, or preventing greenhouse gas emissions through:

• reducing consumption of natural resources
• reducing the generation of waste
• informing the consideration of greenhouse gas emissions in regulatory decisions relating to waste and resource recovery

2.    promotes the safe and appropriate circulation of materials through the waste and resource recovery process 

3.    practically applies the waste management hierarchy to facilitate the highest value circular reuse, repair and recycling of materials by industry, public authorities and the community

4.    supports a strong market for recovered resources.

The key policy review areas that are being explored are: 

1. Supporting the transition to a circular economy.
2. Avoiding waste generation.
3. Maximising resource recovery.
4. Supporting a strong market for recovered resources.
5. Protecting the environment and human health from waste pollution.
6. Circular economy metrics, reporting and transparency.

The scope of this review is large and extends beyond the waste and resource recovery sector. Please see below to see which key reform areas might be relevant to you for responses:

• Key reform area 1 is relevant to the following:
  • waste and resource recovery
  • recycling industry
  •  broader industry
  • general community. 
• Key reform area 2 is relevant to the following:
  • brand owners and users of products that are being considered
  • food waste generating businesses (e.g., supermarkets)
  • food rescue charities and their partners
  • general community. 
• Key reform area 3 is relevant to the following:
  • the local government and local government waste subsidiaries 
  • waste and resource recovery sector 
  • SA businesses
  • food waste generating businesses and organisations
  • shopping centres
  • large event venues
  • broader community. 
• Key reform area 4 is relevant to the following:
  • state and local government 
  • waste and resource recovery sector
  • relevant product stewardship schemes 
  • recyclers
  • manufacturers of identified products
  •  broader community. 
• Key reform area 5 is relevant to the following: 
  • the waste and resource recovery sector
  • primary producers
  • construction and demolition industry
  • landfill depots
  • the health sector and 
  • broader community. 
• Key reform area 6 is relevant to the following:
  • local and state government
  • the waste and resource recovery sector
  • licensed waste depots
  • broader community. 

Your feedback will help inform how the existing Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010 may be amended and what else may be included in a new draft environment protection policy.