A new national recycling scheme for architectural and decorative paints will improve human health and benefit the environment.
The Australian Government has actively worked to support the paint industry in its efforts to address the challenge of managing waste paints and I am delighted to launch ‘Paintback’ in Melbourne today.
Paintback is Australia’s first national product stewardship scheme for architectural and decorative paint.
It collects paint from domestic and trade markets, reduces stockpiles and stops improper disposal into landfill, drains and sewers.
The scheme will ensure that over 45,000 tonnes of paint and its packaging is no longer dumped in landfills over the next five years.
It is a voluntary, industry-led scheme established and administered by paint manufacturers, and has support from all state governments.
The management of waste paint is a challenge for all levels of government because they contain chemicals that can harm the environment and endanger human health if not disposed of properly.
Waste paint is also the single largest source of liquid waste in landfills.
Paintback is an exciting product stewardship program that will increase the volume of waste paint and containers that are collected for proper disposal, which will benefit the environment, human health and the economy.
The paint industry well understands that it makes sense to make a business out of protecting the environment.
Without a healthy environment, we cannot sustain a healthy economy.
I would like to recognise the enormous contribution made by paint manufacturers, master painters and major retailers in bringing the product stewardship of paint to fruition.
(ENDS)