The ACT's ambitious environmental goals are being undermined by a lack of infrastructure and proper education. While the ACT government has mandated the use of compostable packaging at public events, the reality is that most of this packaging ends up in landfills due to a lack of facilities to compost it. This is a missed opportunity to truly embrace a circular economy and a source of frustration for vendors and waste advocates alike.
The issue is multifaceted. Firstly, the ACT government's initial ban on single-use plastics at public events was a welcome step towards environmental sustainability. However, the absence of the necessary infrastructure to recycle or compost the materials has rendered this effort largely ineffective. This is a classic case of good intentions meeting a harsh reality.
Secondly, the confusion surrounding compostable packaging is a significant problem. Many vendors and customers are willing to do the right thing, but they are often unsure about how to properly dispose of compostable items. This is further complicated by the fact that not all compostable packaging can be composted, as some products contain additives that can cause harm when used for composting.
The ACT's FOGO trial, which aims to collect and compost food and garden organics, presents a potential solution. By combining food waste with compostable materials, the trial could create a facility capable of handling commercial quantities of compostable waste. However, this requires a shift in mindset and a willingness to invest in the necessary infrastructure.
In the meantime, the ACT's event sector is grappling with a policy that mandates the front end of a circular economy without delivering the full circle. This is a missed opportunity to truly make a positive environmental impact. As Mr. Watters points out, the ACT has a golden opportunity to compost waste at scale, but it will take a bit of thinking and a bit of effort to make it happen.
In conclusion, the ACT's compostable packaging mandate is a well-intentioned policy that has been undermined by a lack of infrastructure and proper education. While the ACT government has made a start by banning single-use plastics, it must now take the necessary steps to ensure that its environmental goals are achieved. This includes investing in the necessary infrastructure and educating the public about proper waste disposal practices.
