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Waste Problem
The diverse nature of Defence activities generates a significant amount of all types of waste from white office paper to food scraps in messes. This waste is a potential resource and Defence has the unique opportunity to drive the industry towards better management of this resource through its garrison support contracts and at the front end in procurement activities that reduce the generation of waste such as packaging and promote product stewardship.
Goals of Defence's Waste Minimisation Program
The specific goals of Defence's Waste Program to minimise waste generation and disposal to landfill include:
- Increase post consumer packaging recycled to 65% by 2010
- Increase recycling of difficult materials to 25% by 2010
- No new packaging to landfill
Waste Minimisation Policy
The Defence Waste Minimisation Policy aims to reduce the amount of waste materials generated by Defence being deposited in landfills. This Policy provides a framework within which waste can be managed effectively in accordance with the fundamental principles of the waste management hierarchy as well as being consistent with best practice environmental management and complimentary to the principles of ecologically sustainable development (ESD).
Defence can apply waste management principles in two distinct areas of its business; in procurement and operations. Defence has significant purchasing power and can make a significant contribution to stimulate the effective use of resources, most notably recycled content products produced by markets and service providers. Options also exist for Defence to reuse and recycle waste materials that are generated in day-to-day activities through to the building of new facilities.
National Packaging Covenant
In July 2005, the Australian Government became a signatory to the National Packaging Covenant (NPC). The NPC is designed to minimise the environmental impacts arising from the disposal of used packaging, conserve resources through better design and production processes and facilitate the reuse and recycling of packaging materials. It establishes the framework for effective lifecycle management of consumer packaging and paper products. As a member of the NPC, Defence is required to meet the overarching goals identified above.
Environmental Code of Practice for Packaging
The Environmental Code of Practice for Packaging (ECOPP) is an integral part of the Covenant promoting excellence in packaging that is designed to have a minimum net impact on the environment, in terms of waste, water, energy and emissions, whilst preserving the integrity of the product. Even non-signatories are encouraged to pursue its principles. Defence, through the Defence Packaging Committee and Green Buildings Initiative is working to ensure ECOPP principles are in packaging practices.
National Environment Protection Measure (Used Packaging Materials) 1999
The National Environment Protection Measure (Used Packaging Materials) 1999 was developed to give regulatory framework to the NPC which is a voluntary agreement. The goal of the NEPM is to reduce environmental degradation arising from the disposal of used packaging and to conserve virgin materials.
Contacts
The Estate Policy and Environment Branch are working with Defence Groups and Services to ensure the principles of the waste minimisation policy and obligations under the NPC and Commonwealth Action Plan are incorporated into Defence life. To find out more about Defence's Waste Program contact us at environmentandheritage@defence.gov.au.
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