Media Release
4 November, 2009
Don’t Waste Australia: Historic Opportunity for
National Waste Plan
Australia’s environment ministers have a historic opportunity to address the
country’s mounting waste problems when they meet in Perth tomorrow to
discuss a national action plan, Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO
said today.
At the top of the problem list is the urgent need for a national refund scheme
for drink cans and bottles, Mr Kiernan said.
“We must not waste this historic opportunity to end more than five years of
talking and act now to boost recycling and ensure that everyone –
government, industry and the community – plays their part.”
Mr Kiernan said ministers meet in Perth as part of the Environment Protection
and Heritage Council and for the first time in 16 years will have a National
Waste Policy on the table.
“We can’t afford any more delays on critical environmental issues, such as
container deposit refunds, organic and electronic waste. The message from
the community is simple – no more talking, only doing.
“The overwhelming majority of Australians, 97 per cent in fact, support the
introduction of a national container refund scheme similar to that already in
place in South Australia.
“Only three per cent of Australians don’t believe that reducing waste is
important. If that doesn’t make the case for action clear I’m not sure what will.
“Let’s hope our Minister’s don’t waste this opportunity to dramatically improve
the state of our environment.”
Media contact: Alana Mew, 0423 377 567
NEWS 
