QUEENSLANDERS WINNING THE WAR ON WASTE

Queenslanders’ commitment to tackling the waste problem is starting to pay off with mountains of rubbish being recycled, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr said today.

Ms Nelson-Carr today released the results of the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2005 State of Waste and Recycling Report in Parliament.

“Last year Queenslanders increased household recycling by 28,000 tonnes – from 169,000 tonnes in 2004 to 197,000 in 2005,” she said.

“It is pleasing to see that Queenslanders last year increased the mountain of household garbage they recycled – but we can do even better.

“The State of Waste and Recycling Report reveals that while the amount of material being recycled has increased, we are recovering less than 40 per cent of household materials which could be recycled.

"We all have a part to play in recycling our waste – giving a second life to items such as glass, aluminium and steel cans, plastic bottles, milk and juice cartons, cardboard and paper.”

The State of Waste and Recycling Report shows a dramatic rise in already high recycling rates for green and organic material – from 79 per cent in 2004 to 93 per cent in 2005.

Construction and demolition waste received and recycled is increasing but still remains low – from 18 per cent in 2004 to 32 per cent in 2005.

Unfortunately, the recycling of commercial and industrial waste has fallen – from 8 per cent in 2004 to 5 per cent in 2005.

Ms Nelson-Carr said it was encouraging that a higher number of councils reported their recycling figures – up from 105 in 2004 to 124 councils last year.

“Ninety-six per cent of Queenslanders live in local government areas that provide some type of recycling service.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said the State of Waste and Recycling Report provided a valuable snapshot of recycling and disposal activities in Queensland in 2004-05.

“This information can assist decision-makers to plan waste treatment or disposal facilities or design innovative recycling programs.

“The EPA, local governments, industry and the community are committed to facilitating effective recycling programs, increasing access to these programs, and developing regional markets for recyclable materials.

“We need to improve waste recovery rates, especially because Queensland’s population and economy continues to grow steadily.”

The report is online at www.epa.qld.gov.au

Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002