Roger Jaensch,Minister for the Environment
Tasmanians have gathered across the state to do their bit for our environment by participating in dozens of Clean Up Australia Day events. The Tasmanian Liberal Government is committed to reducing litter in our island state and it is wonderful to see so many community members volunteering to clean up their local area. Clean Up Australia Day is the nation’s largest community participation event but it is only one of the ways we are managing litter in our state. Our Government is committed to reducing litter and increasing resource recovery and recycling which is why we introduced the Container Refund Scheme Bill 2021 into Parliament late last year. Establishing Tasmania’s Container Refund Scheme will reduce beverage container litter and maximise recycling rates for these materials, creating jobs in our economy. It will also provide business and fundraising opportunities for local businesses, social enterprises, charities and community organisations in local communities across Tasmania. The Scheme aligns with the 2019 commitment in the Government’s Waste Action Plan to reduce waste and litter, and increase recycling. Other actions include phasing out single-use plastics and introducing a waste levy to help fund alternatives to landfill. This is a crucial part of our Government’s commitment to grow our circular economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. |
