The Government has announced proposals for updating the Waste Minimisation Act and the Litter Act. For the first time in nearly 20 years, Kiwis have a chance to catch up with other countries to reduce our waste and litter. However, last week's budget slashed funding for innovations that reduce waste, an illogical move that risks hobbling the government's own waste proposals before they are out of the starting gate.

“Our waste and litter laws are really old, so we’ve fallen well behind most similar countries. Future-proofing how we reduce waste is really popular, with 60% of us wanting more effective reuse and recycling, “ says Sue Coutts of the Zero Waste Network Aotearoa. The current Waste Act was passed in 2008 and the Litter Act in 1979.

“The proposed law update is a good move to a clear, fair way of reducing waste, in which those who make or import packaging pay for how it’s handled. This is known as ‘extended producer responsibility’ or ‘product stewardship’. With this proposed law update, we could get a container deposit return scheme for the 2+ billion beverage containers we use every year.”

“It would also open the door to more stewardship schemes for e-waste, textiles, and all types of packaging.”

“Countries around the world already have these schemes in place and are realising remarkable results. New Zealand should follow the best examples from around the world and create a producer responsibility framework that works for both reuse and high quality recycling.”

“We need waste solutions that deliver real measurable results for our environment, communities and economy. Extended producer responsibility takes the burden off ratepayers and councils, while creating jobs and income streams for communities and keeping valuable resources in use.”

“With waste levy revenues returned to waste cutting innovation, and more ambition from our MPs to modernise how we reduce waste and litter, we can put the systems in place to effectively deal with resources before they become waste.”

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