Page 2657 - Week 09 - Thursday, 9 August 1990
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"junk" mail. This Government has already taken steps to reduce the amount of litter in Canberra by trialling the use of litter bins with well-fitting lids in areas of Civic and at large festivals. These trials have proved extremely successful in reducing the amount of litter in these areas. My department will be liaising with the Territory Planning Authority on the issue of introducing the bins in all public places maintained by the ACT Government.
An essential part of this Government's waste management strategy is the need to plan ahead for the future landfill needs of the ACT. One of the problems rightly highlighted by the committee is methane gas. Methane gas is produced by landfill sites and contributes to the greenhouse effect. However, while methane is normally regarded as a pollutant, it can be harnessed as an energy source. We will be investigating and reporting on the possibility of methane extraction plants being installed at both landfill sites. (Extension of time granted) In the light of this report we will consider the implications of providing for the harnessing and utilisation of methane gas at future landfill sites. The Government will continue to take account of new and developing waste management technologies in order to further improve its waste management strategies. We will be using the developments of technology to improve the steps we have already taken to improve recycling, waste minimisation, efficient landfill practices and to reduce littering.
I have been speaking about areas where the Government can control what is happening in regard to waste management. However, there are other areas where there are other bodies involved where liaison with industry or with other governments is of the highest importance. Through these discussions the Alliance Government is working towards long-term goals in recycling and waste minimisation. We have discussed with industry the establishment in Canberra of a plant to recycle plastics in the longer term. Creation of a strong local market for recycled plastic products is a prerequisite to achieving this aim and the Government is showing the way here. The Government is currently trialling these products with a view to increasing their use in street furniture and similar applications. As members may recall, examples of these products were displayed at the Canberra Show and at other venues and have attracted considerable interest.
The Alliance Government is continuing its promotion of recycled oil. As part of the general brochure on recycling which we have produced, information was given on existing oil recycling facilities. This brochure was launched as part of our general recycling campaign at the Canberra Show. Not only is the existence of oil recycling facilities being more widely promoted, but also we will be working with the private sector on this important issue. Discussions have been held with the Motor Traders Association on extension and promotion of waste oil collection facilities in service stations. Recycling oil
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