A REGIONAL waste group are developing a strategic plan to address the current recycling pressures.
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The action came in response to China’s ban on imports of Australian paper and plastic waste, which forced councils to search for alternative storage when waste contractors stopped accepting recyclable material from February 9.
Grampians Central West Waste and Resource Recovery Group encompasses 12 council areas that span from Moorabool Shire to West Wimmera Shire.
Grampians Central West WRRG executive officer La Vergne Lehmann said the group continued to work with local government, state government and the recycling industry to coordinate a response to the problem.
Ms Lehmann said the strategic plan would be the latest initiative to address the impact of China’s import restrictions on recyclable material. She said the plan would focus on the opportunities and measures that could be implemented by each part of the recycling sector to transition to a more resilient economy.
Ms Lehmann said the group was pleased to see the collection and processing of recyclable material had continued despite increased pressures. She said China’s decision resulted in higher costs, which councils had to pass on to residents.
“The important thing is that people keep recycling while we work with local government and industry to develop long term, viable options for the sector,” she said.
She said a range of initiatives were undertaken to help councils respond to the situation, which included contingency planning, communications support and reviewing recycling service delivery and infrastructure across the region.
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