Released 26/12/2022
In 2022 the ACT Government introduced more exciting initiatives to support Territory residents to continue to reduce, reuse and recycle – contributing to the government’s long-term goal of making Canberra an even more sustainable, prosperous and circular economy city.
This includes the release of the draft ACT Circular Economy Strategy, even more single-use plastics bans and the opening of the ACT’s first Container Deposit Scheme reverse vending machine.
“The ACT is on its way to being a thriving and equitable city that respects the limits of our planet,” Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said.
“In October we launched the ACT’s draft Circular Economy Strategy, which sets the vision, strategic objectives and focus areas to transform Canberra into a circular city.
“The circular economy provides opportunities for innovation, economic growth and job creation. In the ACT we already have great examples of the circular economy in action, such as Thor’s Hammer, Goterra, Soft Landing, Renewed Appliances and Capital Brewing Co.
“In July this year, we continued our phase-out of single-use plastics which has been embraced by business and the community. Items banned included single-use plastic straws (with exemptions for those who need them), cotton buds with plastic sticks and all oxo-degradable plastics. Even more single-use plastic items are being considered for phase out next year, including single-use plastic takeaway containers, single-use plastic plates and bowls and heavyweight plastic shopping bags.
“Many event organisers took on the challenge from the ACT Government to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics in 2022. Over 20 events such as Enlighten Festival, Groovin the Moo, Floriade and Spilt Milk have made the transition to more sustainable alternatives.
"We also celebrated a milestone in reducing food waste to landfill, with the FOGO pilot celebrating its first birthday in November 2022. Through this pilot of around 5,000 households across Belconnen, Bruce, Cook and Macquarie, we are transforming food and organics waste into compost.
“The bulky waste collection service continued to be valuable for Canberra residents and the community. We saw a 39 per cent recovery rate, with items such as furniture provided to people in need through charities like GIVIT, the Salvation Army and Vinnies.
“The ACT Government also supported recycling initiatives such as Soft Landing, a national social enterprise that collects mattresses for recycling. Through their operations they recycle up to 75 per cent of all mattress components. In 2021-22 they received 43,742 mattresses – which were broken down, separated into their different components and upcycled.
“The ACT Container Deposit Scheme continued to make an impact with ACT residents, with more than 57 million containers redeemed through the network in 2021-22 – an increase of 1.35 million containers from 2020-21. Also in 2021-22, the redemption rate was a record 75 per cent – meaning three out of four drinks containers sold made their way into the scheme. Since the scheme began in June 2018, more than 366 million containers have been recycled,” Minister Steel said.
Recycle even more during the festive season
Minister Steel reminded Canberrans to use the free recycling facilities across Canberra for any excess packaging during the holiday period.
The Recycling Drop Off Centres located in Tuggeranong, Phillip, Gungahlin, Mitchell and Belconnen are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including New Year’s Day. They accept any items normally put in the yellow recycling bin:
- oversized cardboard boxes
- glass bottles and jars
- aluminium and steel cans
- plastic bottles and containers.
Household green waste can be dropped drop off for free at Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre (fees apply for branches or trees larger than 20cm in diameter and/or 2m in length) or for free at Canberra Sand and Gravel on Parkwood Road in Belconnen.
Most wrapping paper can be recycled in your yellow bin but look out for any cellophane paper or foil-styled gift-wrapping paper made from plastic. These soft plastics cannot be recycled and need to be put in the landfill bin.
There are no bin collections changes as Christmas Day and New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday this year. Services will continue as usual.
Mugga Lane and Mitchell Resource Management Centres were closed yesterday but will now be open every day between 7.30am and 5.00pm.
For more information on correctly disposing of your post-Christmas waste, visit www.act.gov.au/recyclopaedia.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases