Locals from the Mornington Peninsula and Bass Coast are being urged to think about the way they recycle this month as part of National Recycling Week.
Federal Member for Flinders, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, said everyone has a role to play in increasing recycling.
“We all have a role to play in reducing the near 67 million tonnes of waste we generate each year and increasing recycling. That is why I am supporting National Recycling Week from 12-18 November,” Mr Hunt said.
“The Australian Government has committed to updating the National Waste Policy and setting a clear vision for our recycling industry.”
“We have delivered a National Food Waste Strategy to bring together actions by governments, researchers, business and the community to halve food waste by 2030. In addition, the Government has provided nearly $50 million to support research and action to meet this goal.”
In September, new National Packaging Targets were launched by industry and supported by the Coalition Government. The new targets are that by 2025:
- 70% of plastic packaging to be recycled or composted
- 30% average recycled content across all packaging
- Phase out problematic and unnecessary single use plastic packaging through re-design, innovation or alternative delivery methods.
These new targets build on commitments endorsed by Australia’s environment ministers in April 2018 that 100% of packaging should be reusable, recyclable or compostable by 2025.
Recently, Minister Price launched the industry-developed Australasian Recycling Label. This is a simple labelling system that gives people the information they need to recycle when it matters most – the few seconds when they’re deciding which bin to use.
“I am delighted to be supporting and promoting National Recycling Week and I encourage local residents to visit my Facebook page each day of the seven day campaign and share our recycling message for that day,” Minister Price Said..
ENDS
Day 1. Recycling Matters – Separate your rubbish and have separate recycling bins.
Day 2. Reuse – Make a habit of using reusable bags instead of plastic bags.
Day 3. Return – Where possible, use your local container deposit scheme to return and earn.
Day 4. Reduce – Buy a ‘keep-cup’ or a ‘reusable straw’. Ditch foam, plastic or paper cups.
Day 5. Waste – Use organic waste for compost in your garden.
Day 6. Waste – Look for the Australasian Recycling Label on food and packaging items you purchase.
Day 7. Recycle – Drop off old mobile phones, computers and TVs to your local recycling drop off point.