The ANMF (Vic Branch) has called for clearer information for consumers and households, and more consistent waste collection strategies, as part of its submission to the state parliamentary inquiry into recycling and waste management.
It has also urged the Andrews Government to consider a container deposit scheme similar to those that operate in all other states (except Tasmania) which pay cash for used containers.
Your union is a strong advocate for action on climate change and sustainability, recognising that changes in the environment can damage our physical and mental health and cause social and community upheaval.
The 10-page submission notes an estimated 35,000 tonnes of solid waste was generated from Victoria’s public health services sector in 2017-18, of which about 23 per cent was recycled. The ANMF (Vic Branch) believes this recycling rate can be improved.
Other key proposals include:
- standardised collection and recycling principles
- improved labelling to show clearly what packaging can be recycled
- support marketing for products that incorporate recycled content
- use allocations from the Sustainability Fund to support business that actively re-use, re-purpose, repair and engage in correct recycling
- create a resource inventory to help industry locate usable materials that might otherwise go to waste
- expand food and garden organics collections and composting including in hospitals.
