UP FRONT
Expanding the NTCRS FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT’S PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP ACT REVIEW, WASTE MANAGEMENT REVIEW SPEAKS WITH INDUSTRY STAKEHOLDERS ABOUT EXPANDING THE NTCRS AND BOOSTING E-WASTE RECOVERY.
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review of the Product Stewardship Act 2011 was launched in early 2017, and in June 2020, it was finally released. Since the act was introduced, Australia’s waste and resource recovery ecosystem has shifted dramatically, with increased activity and discussion on the importance of moving towards a more circular approach that maintains the value of resources for as long as possible. The long-awaited review makes a series of recommendations, most notably that the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) be expanded to include all electrical and electronic products with a plug or battery. In total, 26 recommendations were made, all of which are supported by the Federal Government. In addition to expanding the NTCRS, the review recommends calling out manufacturers and importers that are “letting consumers and their industry down,” by not participating in a product stewardship scheme. The review also suggests strengthening the Minister’s priority
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products list to encourage brands to work together towards an industry-led scheme by adding clear timeframes. Rose Read, National Waste and Recycling Council (NWRIC) CEO, says NWRIC welcome the strengthening of the Environment Minister’s role in listing products on the priority list and calling out organisations not engaging in voluntary led initiatives in a timely manner. “Together with the Product Stewardship Investment Fund, this will encourage a lot more businesses to step up and take greater responsibility for their products throughout their lifecycle,” she says. “However, naming and shaming won’t work if the minister does not take quick action when companies choose to ignore government putting them on notice. As in the case of battery companies Duracell and Energiser who have since 2013 refused to meet their stewardship obligations. Actions speak louder than words.” Shortly after the review was released, the Federal Government introduced
the Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020 into parliament. According to Assistant Waste Reduction and Environmental Management Minister Trevor Evans, the legislation will improve the existing framework for product stewardship by encouraging companies to take greater responsibility for the waste they generate through the products they design, manufacture or distribute. “We are making it easier for industry to set up and join in product stewardship schemes,” Evans said. “Yet, where voluntary product stewardship schemes are not effective, or where they are not created in priority areas, the government will have new tools to intervene and regulate.” John Gertsakis, Director and Cofounder of the Ewaste Watch Institute, says he is optimistic about where product stewardship is heading in Australia.
