 |
Strategic framework for waste managementA strategic framework for managing waste in Queensland is set out in the Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation 2000. It establishes a waste management hierarchy (priorities) and principles for achieving good waste management.
This hierarchy lists ways of managing waste problems. The best option is to avoid creating waste in the first place. The worst option is to bury waste at a rubbish tip.
| Option | Example |
| Avoid creating waste | Ask suppliers not to package the goods they provide, where appropriate |
| Re-use waste | If goods have to be packaged, ask the supplier to take back the packaging |
| Recycle waste | Use packaging for storage |
| Recover energy from waste | Burn waste in a legal incinerator to heat water for council or community use |
| Dispose of waste safely | Bury waste in a council landfill/rubbish tip |
The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website has more information on Ecologically Sustainable Development and the Indigenous Land Management Facilitator Network.
The Clean Up Australia website also has information about reducing and recycling waste.
Principles for achieving good waste management are:
| “Polluter-pays” | Where possible, the person or organisation that generates waste should pay to manage it. |
| “User-pays” | The costs of the resources needed to create goods and/or services should be included in their price to the buyer. |
| “Product-stewardship” | Those who produce or import products should do everything possible to minimise the harm to environment caused by producing, using, and disposing of the products. |
Other languages