Eugenie Sage’s working group set up to combat China’s ban on importing waste has released a set of soft options that won’t address the issue at hand, National Environment spokesperson Scott Simpson says.

“Following the Government’s trend of releasing bad news on Friday afternoon are today’s recommendations that lack any immediate solutions to the piles of plastic waste being stockpiled or sent to landfill in New Zealand.

“I’m especially disappointed the Minister has refused to consider the introduction of a container deposit scheme, which would offer a tangible commitment to combatting waste.

“Instead the Minister has opted for a light range of options that equates to more reviews and studies rather than effective change.

“The Minister claimed to have all the answers in Opposition but seems to have nothing substantial now she’s in Government. She needs to commit to tangible initiatives rather than more eco-babble.”

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