Transformation of the State’s waste and recycling systems is to be supported by a new Government body to oversee standards, regulations and reporting in the sector.
Announcing the establishment of Recycling Victoria within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Minister Environment and Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio said the new entity would have a strong regional focus and presence across the State.
“Recycling Victoria will strengthen the State’s waste and recycling sector, driving innovation and industry security, helping circular economies to thrive and supporting the introduction of the new container deposit scheme,” Ms D’Ambrosio said.
“The new entity will oversee new standards, regulations and reporting in the waste and recycling sector, to build community confidence and encourage businesses to innovate, invest and grow Victoria’s circular economy,” she said.
“Recycling Victoria will work with councils, industry, regional communities and Traditional Owners, to create a better and more reliable waste and recycling system, reduce landfill waste, improve resource recovery and cut greenhouse gas emissions.”
Ms D’Ambrosio said the new entity would deliver State-wide stewardship, planning, regulatory and market oversight functions, and would work closely with partner Agencies, Sustainability Victoria and the Environment Protection Authority.
In a statement, Sustainability Victoria welcomed Recycling Victoria to the State’s environment portfolio and said it looked forward to working alongside the entity.
The Statutory Authority said in addition to providing oversight and regulation of the waste and recycling sector, Recycling Victoria would run the State’s waste and recycling data function which was previously provided by Sustainability Victoria.
It said that as a result, Sustainability Victoria’s Data, Insights and Intelligence team would transition to Recycling Victoria from 1 July.
“Sustainability Victoria will continue to play a pivotal role in accelerating Victoria’s transition to a circular and climate-resilient economy by delivering education and behaviour change programs, grant funding, industry development and investment facilitation,” Sustainability Victoria said.
“Following the introduction of Recycling Victoria, many of Sustainability Victoria’s program names will change to remove ‘Recycling Victoria’ from their title and instead highlight our role in transitioning to a circular economy,” it said.
“The function of these programs will remain the same.”
