South Australia's Waste Strategy 2011-15

South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2011-2015 reflects our common concern that we consume more and more resources to maintain a privileged lifestyle, and that we may do this at the expense of our environment and the wellbeing of future generations. It reflects our common desire to provide a future that can protect and manage our natural resources within a strong economy. Over the last five years South Australia has established its place amongst the leaders in waste management reform and resource recovery in the nation. Our recycling rate is among the world’s best, but there is much more that we can do. Efforts under South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2005-2010 have markedly reduced the amount of waste going to landfill in our state. Entrusted with developing and implementing the first State Waste Strategy, Zero Waste SA has: > learned important lessons > achieved excellent successes and > forged strong and productive collaborative partnerships. This wealth of experience has built a solid platform for the state’s next waste strategy for 2011-2015. South Australians understand and embrace the benefits of recycling and composting, embracing the more recent ban on check-out style plastic bags. Future generations of South Australians need us to build on the achievements of our first waste strategy. Now is not the time for hesitation or complacency and I believe our new waste strategy is a confident and considered next step. The Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy under the state’s Environment Protection Act heralds a new regulatory framework to manage waste and recycling. In 2009, environment ministers across the country set a new national policy on waste and resource management. This sets the agenda for waste and resource recovery in Australia for the next 10 years. Environment ministers also agreed to a landmark product stewardship framework. The Australian Government will regulate to support an industry-led scheme for collecting and recycling televisions and computers. Other problematic waste streams, such as tyres, are likely to follow. Nationally and internationally the waste management landscape is changing. Managing waste is linked with challenges in population growth, consumption, resource availability, water and energy use, climate change and carbon reduction. We are setting broader and smarter environmental objectives and priorities in our future. South Australia’s Waste Strategy 2011-2015 looks different from its predecessor. It builds on earlier good work, takes advantage of a stronger national focus, and recognises sustainability as an integral part of future prosperity. The Strategy is underpinned by long term objectives, thorough planning and targeted collaborations and partnerships.