Roger Jaensch,Minister for the Environment
Today I tabled the Waste and Resource Recovery Bill 2021 in the Tasmanian Parliament.
The Bill establishes a statewide waste levy, replacing existing regional levies, which will encourage the diversion of materials from landfill and provide funding to invest in viable alternatives.
Importantly, it delivers on a key part of our plan to reduce litter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and grow Tasmania's circular economy.
Instead of recyclable and organic materials going to landfill, more materials will be recovered from the waste streams and turned into new, valuable products.
This is a win for the environment and a win for the creation of new jobs and businesses in Tasmania.
The Bill also establishes a Waste and Resource Recovery Board which will develop a statewide waste strategy and allocate levy funds to implement such a strategy.
Collection of the waste levy is set to begin on 1 July, 2022. Details of the operations will be outlined in the regulations.
We have consulted widely throughout the development of the Bill, and have listened closely to local government on the need to provide a replacement for existing regional levies that ensures no region is worse off and all regions are treated equitably.
We will also work closely with small and remote councils to ensure that levy funds can help them to invest in waste management options that help overcome the unique challenges faced by these communities.
We will continue to work with local government, and the waste management and recycling sectors, to secure Tasmania's circular economy.
