Dialogue: Why we must all play our part in waste strategy

By JOHN WEBBER*

The New Zealand Waste Strategy represents an innovative approach to an issue that has concerned an increasing number of people for 20 years.

The fact that central Government (which is expected to lead in these issues) and local government (which has statutory obligations) have worked together to produce a comprehensive approach, not aimed at any one sector, to provide resolutions is a fundamental gain.

Unlike parts of Europe, where the commercial and industrial sectors have been singled out, the strategy takes a holistic approach. It recognises the problem applies to all of us and that, while there may be costs to be addressed, there may be greater costs if there is no action. Central and local government accept a principal role and have the same expectation of the community.

This strategy provides parameters under which the country can address the issues. It is a template for how we might proceed.

The question of how costly it is to industry will, to a significant degree, be determined by industry's involvement in the deliberations to ensure progress.

By including water wastes and air contamination the strategy offers a unique opportunity to broaden the debate and to get an overall national commitment, without narrowing the issue to one of solid waste.

If there is a problem - and we all accept that to some degree there is - then we must all participate in the remedy.

For example, the packaging industry recognises its contribution to the waste stream but is pleased that within the strategy this issue has been kept in perspective. It could be argued that a lack of such a perspective has historically left the community believing that in addressing packaging waste it was doing all that was required to remedy the waste problem.

This strategy recognises the link between consumerism, economic growth and waste generation and the need to do more than provide end-of-pipe solutions.

Clearly, for the commercial sector there are areas of concern and there will be some costs relating to the issues that previously would have been ignored or ultimately resolved or financed by other sectors.

However, the strategy will bring all sectors, including industry, to focus on what needs to be addressed.

Small commercial concerns, such as small local authorities, may have difficulties as they struggle to resolve the issues but this does not justify not accepting the need to act in the first instance.

As a first step the strategy is not overly prescriptive in how issues should be addressed, showing only that they will be addressed.

The many specific waste issues and mechanisms for addressing them will be the subject of further research by the Government and other parties.

Possible mechanisms of particular interest to the commercial sector will be extended producer responsibility, economic instruments and addressing so-called special wastes.

There is also the issue of targets for reducing waste and the expectation that the commercial and industrial sectors will, at the appropriate dates, have procedures in place in respect of cleaning contaminated sites and handling hazardous wastes.

These are all issues that were signalled by the Government as needing to be addressed. They should not come as a surprise, or be regarded as unreasonable.

Under the strategy there is reasonable lead-time to evaluate what is required, establish best options and, if necessary, negotiate.

The packaging industry recognised that, despite its relatively small contribution to the waste stream (about 12 per cent), it has a high profile and is of concern to central and local politicians as well as the electorate.

The industry has sought, through the Packaging Council and the accord on a strategy to minimise packing waste reached with central Government and endorsed by local government, to begin processes that will minimise environmental effects, provide education on the subject and demonstrate a reduction in the negative impacts.

On some issues industry shoulders an unfair burden, but fulfilling its obligations under the New Zealand Waste Strategy is not unreasonable.

The long-term costs of not participating are likely to be far greater than if the issues were not addressed.

Waste remains the responsibility of us all and industry needs to participate where this is fair.

* John Webber is executive director of the Packaging Council.

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