The Federal Government recently released the consultation paper, “A National Waste Policy: Managing Waste to 2020” , for comment. The consultation paper poses a series of questions on the priorities for national action, how to more effectively manage Australia’s waste, opportunities to innovate and business models and technology that can add value to the management of waste and resource recovery.

The goals of the national waste policy are to:

clearly articulate the objectives of waste management and the respective roles of governments

set out the basis for collaboration between jurisdictions

provide the basis for effective and efficient approaches to domestic waste issues

ensure that waste management remains aligned with Australia’s international obligations, including the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes

complement the Australian Government’s approach to climate change and sustainability.

AMTA congratulates the Australian Government and the Environment Protection and Heritage Council in leading the development of a new national waste policy.

Waste associated with electronic industries is a growing global issue, and the mobile phone industry in Australia and overseas is serious about its responsibilities in avoiding and minimising the impact of its operations on the environment, in particular avoiding and reducing waste and increasing recycling.

A copy of AMTA’s submission, which has responded to a number of sections of the paper, can be viewed at: http://www.mobilemuster.com.au/annual_collection_figures.