Waste Policy Review Discussion Paper - engagement session scheduled

The Victorian Governments Waste Policy Review is now underway with the release of the discussion paper.

This review allows for a rethink on the ways we explore, and treat waste and resource recovery.  It will set out a road-map for achieving the best possible value and outcomes from the way we manage waste.

It is important that the new policy is informed by the expert knowledge and understanding of key stakeholders. Your input is welcomed to help inform the basis of a new waste policy framework.

MWMG is hosting an engagement session for local government on Tuesday 20 March 2012, 8:30am start at the Marriot, cnr Exhibition and Lonsdale Streets, Melbourne. Engagement sessions for industry and the community have also been scheduled, please visit the DSE website for details. If you would like to participate, please register your interest by emailing your details to wastepolicy@dse.vic.gov.au.

To download the discussion paper and learn more about the Waste Policy Review visit the DSE website.

 

Implications of Carbon Pricing for Waste Management in Metro Melbourne

Clean Energy Future and Carbon Pricing – Information Paper now available.

Following our first information paper on the implications of carbon pricing for waste management in metropolitan Melbourne, we have developed a second paper. This will inform MWMG stakeholders of our activities in response to the Federal Government’s Clean Energy Future Plan and the introduction of carbon pricing on metropolitan Melbourne’s waste management services.

National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme

With the new National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme commencing soon, there is a great deal of interest from the community about how it will work, what it will achieve, how to get involved, when will services be available and where and what should be done with television and computer waste in the meantime.

The National Environment Protection Council is convening a number of facilitated discussion sessions across Australia, providing information about the scheme and the vital role that local governments, recyclers and charities can play. We encourage you to attend the sessions as they offer a good opportunity for you to provide feedback on your local concerns and what types of information you need in order to communicate to your local communities about the scheme.

Last week, DHL Supply Chain Australia was approved by Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, as the first organisation to be able to collect e-waste on behalf of television and computer manufacturers and importers.

A session will be held in Melbourne on Thursday 12 April 2012 before the Metropolitan Local Governments' Waste Forum. See Dates for the Diary for further details.

For more information on the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme click here.

Consultation paper on proposed model for accreditation of voluntary product stewardship arrangements

A consultation paper on the proposed model for accreditation of voluntary product stewardship arrangements under the Product Stewardship Act 2011 is now available for public comment. Written submissions on the consultation paper are sought by 27 March 2012.

A public meeting will be held Melbourne on 20 March 2012, to provide interested parties with an opportunity to seek clarification and provide feedback on the proposed model.

Further information on the consultation process, including how to make a submission is available on the department’s website.

New Forum Chair and Deputy Chair Elected

A new Chair and Deputy Chair were elected at February’s Local Governments' Waste Management Forum. Cr Bill Pemberton from Whitehorse City Council was elected Chair and Cr Alison Clarke from Yarra City Council is Deputy Chair.

The next Forum will be held on 12 April.

Kerbside Recycling in Metropolitan Melbourne

An information session will be held on Thursday 29 March at Sustainability Victoria for participating councils. The session will provide an update on recent developments to the program strategy and anticipated timelines. There will also be a discussion on the proposed public relations activities and the projects evaluation.

Invitations have been extended to both waste and communications officers. Relevant council officers who have not received an invitation to the session or have any questions about your councils involvement in the project please contact Mike Rowell on mike.rowell@mwmg.vic.gov.au or 8698 9804.

Waste Wise Business Efficiency Program

MWMG is looking for interested businesses to participate in this year’s Waste Wise Business Efficiency Program. Businesses can learn how to reduce waste and save money, along with how to use resources more efficiently to reduce waste and cut costs, improve business practices for long-term growth and enhance market profile and recognition.

Workshops will be held in the CBD. Program runs March to November. Cost is $1100 (including GST) per business (normally $2200 per business). Interested businesses and organisations can contact ellen.regos@mwmg.vic.gov.au  to apply.

Applications close: Tuesday 20 March 2012.

MWMG ‘Fixes it’ at the 2012 Sustainable Living Festival

This year as part of our sponsorship of the 2012 Sustainable Living Festival, MWMG provided the opportunity for two community organisations to promote their activities aimed at reducing waste through repair and re-use.

‘Fix it!’ is a collective style organisation founded by April Seymore, Renae Crosthwaite and Chandra Sundareswaran with the aim of encouraging skill sharing and confidence building to repair items that  would otherwise literally go to waste.  As part of the MWMG’s sponsorship, the group set up a four hour ‘Fix it!’ workshop during the SLF’s ‘Big Weekend’ event at Fed Square.

Twenty-eight skilled volunteers manned the event, offering up their skills and assistance in the areas of stitches (sewing), switches (fixing simple electric items such as lamp switches) and splinters (carpentry). Members of the public could register and bring along an item for fixing or simply come in and take a look around at the various activities. A full report on just how well the event went can be read here.

Following the success of ‘Fix it!’ at the SLF, April and the team would love to hear from councils or other groups interested in hosting a ‘Fix it!’ event in their communities. April can be contacted by emailing april@ecocentre.com or calling 0466 284 964. The group also has an active Facebook page.

Another community group, Recycling is Fun also set up a display of some amazing craft items that can be made using waste items like plastic bags. This group is particularly interested in working with aged and disability support groups. Their activities may also be of interest to council officers who work with organisations involved in these areas. Contact details are available on their website.

International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW)

Better Soil, Better Life, Better Future! With Costa the Composter as ambassador.

MWMG is proud to be supporting ICAW again in 2012. Running from 7-12 May, ICAW features activities, events and publicity to raise awareness and promote compost use, knowledge and products.

For more information please visit compostweek.com.au
or visit the Facebook page.

Employment Opportunity: Project Officer Roles

MWMG is currently looking for two Project Officers to join our Strategic Resource Efficiency Team and help progress delivery of municipal waste management services.

Are you:

• Passionate about sustainable waste management?
• Wanting to work and interact with a variety of stakeholders to create positive outcomes?
• Experienced in working with local government and managing projects within the waste and environment sector.

For further details and to download the Position Descriptions click here.