BEATING THE DRUM – EPA REDUCING PRESCRIBED WASTE TO LANDFILL

11 April 2007

Disposal of plastic and metal chemical containers to landfill will soon be a thing of the past following new legislation introduced by EPA Victoria.

Under the Industrial Waste Management Policy (Prescribed Industrial Waste), from 1 July 2007 EPA is banning large rigid plastic and steel containers contaminated with prescribed industrial waste from landfills. Common examples are 205 litre (44 gallon) drums and 1000 litre intermediate bulk containers (IBCs). The landfill ban will not apply to flexible packaging such as 1000 litre bulk bags.

EPA's Manager, Waste Management Unit, Mel Barker said the landfill ban followed successful consultation with industry and requires industry to reuse or recycle waste containers over 200 litres in volume.

“Drums and containers contaminated with PIW is a significant waste stream generated from manufacturing in Victoria. There is currently about 4000 tonnes of waste packaging sent to Lyndhurst and Tullamarine landfills annually.”

“This ban will ensure that the value of the metal and plastic resources is fully realised and aims to divert more than 2000 tonnes of packaging wastes from disposal to reuse and recycling options,” Ms Barker said.

She thanked those who last year were involved in the public forums and had made written submissions on the landfill bans.

EPA will undertake further work to assess the potential to mandate reuse or recycling of smaller containers.

A copy of the document is available at www.epa.vic.gov.au or by contacting EPA on 9695 2722.

Media enquiries:

Gerda Fanning - 9695 2564 or 0409 185496