With the Australian Waste Recycling Expo (AWRE) about to kick off next week at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Sydney, Inside Waste took the time to talk to one of the key speakers at the event, the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA’s) Executive Director of Strategy and Policy, Nancy Chang.
The EPA is the primary environmental regulator for NSW, and works with the community, industry, businesses and other government agencies to protect and enhance the environment. During Chang’s four years at the EPA, there has been a purposeful shift to a stewardship approach towards environmental regulation.
“A priority for the EPA is to create clear avenues for local councils and the waste industry to share their ideas, give feedback and be involved,” said Chang.
“We are focused on creating opportunities to listen and for the experiences and perspectives of those in market to help inform our advice to government and our approach to regulation.”
The EPA is hosting smaller, more targeted stakeholder meetings. This has allowed the EPA to better understand the unique issues that different groups are facing and further enhance relationships. Chang says this has helped the regulator navigate difficult conversations, foster greater trust and be more proactive.
As for some key issues that will be covered at the event, Chang noted several including reducing unnecessary plastics, and the NSW Government’s efforts to increase recycling and ensure growing waste volumes can be safely managed.
On behalf of the NSW Government, the EPA has recently been consulting on two proposals that aim to divert more waste from landfill through mandatory collection services for organic waste and a review of the NSW waste levy.
“Recovering materials from waste and recycling them into useful products is critical to maintaining a healthy and sustainable environment for current and future generations,” said Chang.
“Recycling helps to get the most value out of our existing products, reducing the impact of extracting resources from the environment to make new products from scratch.”
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Another topic that will be addressed at the event is a panel discussion on the ongoing challenges with problem wastes, such as the improper disposal of batteries.
At the recent Environmental Minister’s Meeting in June, Ministers agreed to accelerate work towards product stewardship for batteries.
“A product stewardship approach will help to protect lives and property by making producers accountable for batteries when they reach their end of life,” said Chang.
“The EPA is working collaboratively with Queensland and Victoria to investigate interventions throughout the battery lifecycle from the way they are designed, stored and disposed.”
When asked about energy from waste, Chang said it has a role to play as part of an integrated waste management approach. She noted that operators who seek to recover energy from waste must comply with the NSW Energy from Waste Policy Statement to ensure human health and the community are protected and the best use of waste materials.
“There’s a number of proposals in the pipeline and the EPA is working with the proponents in a collaborative way.”
AWRE will be taking place at the ICC in Sydney from July 24-25.