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In this Issue:
The Vision: Towards Zero Waste in Western Australia. The Principles: Prevention - to avoid the creation of waste. Znippets: Using Compost in Council Parks & Gardens An information session on using compost and soil conditioners for maximum benefit and to reduce potential environmental impacts will be held on Friday the 7th of September 2007 at the WACA ground in Perth. More information and registration. National Packaging Covenant Grants Expressions of Interest in Covenant funding are sought by Friday 14 September 2007. For more information on the funding available and how to apply, visit the National Packaging Covenant Web Site. Waste Management & Recycle Conference The Waste Management & Recycle Conference will be held at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle from the 10th to the 14th of September. Waste Management Board Minutes Now Available Online The minutes from Waste Management Board meetings are now available on the Towards Zero Waste Web Site. Waste Wise Schools Case Studies The Waste Wise Schools team has published a collection of case studies highlighting the inspiring work being done by some Waste Wise Schools throughout Western Australia. Recent Publications:
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Summary of WMRA Local Government Funding Since the Waste Management and Recycling Account was established in 1998, local government waste management and recycling activities have been allocated funding totalling more than $20 million under various schemes. A breakdown of the funding allocation is outlined below.
The Towards Zero Waste web site contains more information about schemes under the WMRA, including the Strategic Waste Initiatives Scheme and the Community Grants Scheme. Used Packaging Material Regulations Gazetted 
On 27 April 2007 the Environmental Protection (NEPM-UPM) Regulations 2007 were gazetted and became enforceable. The Regulations implement the National Environment Protection (Used Packaging Materials) Measure 2005 (NEPM) within Western Australia. The Regulations provide a co-regulatory mechanism that supports and complements the National Packaging Covenant. The goal of the Covenant and NEPM is to reduce environmental degradation from the disposal of used packaging, and conserve virgin materials through the encouragement of waste avoidance and the re-use and recycling of used packaging materials. The Regulations apply to brand owners (as defined in the Regulations), Local Government and operators of a material recovery system. In brief, obligations under the Regulations include the reporting and keeping of records and achieving minimum recovery rates for packaging materials. A copy of the Regulations can be found at the State Law Publisher Web Site. If you have any questions regarding the Regulations please contact Reuben Gregor at the Department of Environment and Conservation on (08) 6467 5391 or by email. Grants for Litter Prevention 
Rounds of grant funding for both Keep Australia Beautiful WA's Litter Prevention Grants and the Packaging Stewardship Forum and Keep Australia Beautiful WA Roadside Litter Prevention Grants will be called in August 2007. Funding of up to $10,000 is available for initiatives related to litter prevention or specifically to roadside litter prevention. Local governments, small to medium enterprises, local associations and community groups are encouraged to apply. The closing date for applications is 28th September 2007. For more information on either scheme please visit the Keep Australia Beautiful WA Web Site or contact KABC WA on (08) 6467 5143. Gascoyne Growers' Market Goes Plastic Bag Free 
The Gascoyne Growers' Market is doing more than just supplying the North West with fresh, local quality produce. It is also helping to reduce waste by becoming plastic bag free. The Carnarvon based local farmers' market provides affordable, quality fruit and vegetables to the community whilst creating a healthy public space. With a large backpacking and tourist flowthrough, plus a significant Vietnamese and indigenous population, the town began its market to give local food growers a place to sell their produce. Shoppers love the market's outdoor social atmosphere and being able to talk to the people who grow the produce. The Gascoyne Growers' Market is a community leader in the reduction of plastic packaging with the Plastic Bag Free project funded through the Towards Zero Waste Community Grants Scheme. Stallholders voted unanimously to become officially ‘plastic bag free’ from the start of the 2007 season. This means no plastic carry bags can be offered to shoppers and encourages stallholders to reduce the amount of plastic wrap and/or bags used to preserve produce, particularly that with a longer shelf life. The Gascoyne Growers' Market's Plastic Bag Free project provides leadership and a positive example to the entire regional community and its thousands of annual visitors. The project has encouraged a sustainable shift in behaviour from stallholders, who have committed to purchasing paper bag stocks in future to offer their patrons. The project has also provided a focus on overcoming the practical implications of withdrawing plastic bags from use, and has enforced a reusable, recycled and recyclable alternative to plastic within the marketplace. |
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