WASTE LEVY

In reply to the Hon. J.S. LEE (10 March 2011).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Regional Development, Minister for Public Sector Management, Minister for the Status of Women, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Minister for Government Enterprises, Minister for Gambling): The Minister for Environment and Conservation has been advised:

1. The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) is reviewing regulatory practices in South Australia and in other States to determine the best way to combat illegal dumping. This review, which will include consultation with key stakeholders, including the Local Government Association, will recommend strategies to deal with illegal dumping and will be finalised by the end of this year.

Zero Waste SA (ZWSA) implemented a knowledge based system in 2009 called the 'Zero Waste Environmental User System' (ZEUS) which helps to facilitate monitoring, analysis and reporting on waste management data.

ZEUS currently stores data on illegal dumping, household hazardous waste and farm chemicals, container deposit data, litter data, landfill data, grants and incentives.

Access to ZEUS is offered to all councils. As more councils use ZEUS to capture illegal dumping incidences, the Government may be able to better determine any impacts caused by an increase in the waste levy in relation to illegal dumping. The Government has also committed to a review of the waste levy, which will consider the potential risk of increased incidence of illegal dumping.

2. Waste levy revenue is used to fund a range of programs. Half of the revenue is automatically directed to the Waste to Resources Fund, which is a fund set up to focus solely on the Government's zero waste objectives and programs administered by ZWSA. Five percent of the revenue is also automatically directed to the Environment Protection Fund, which is a fund set up to support administration of the Environment Protection Act 1993.

There have been many valuable projects funded—for example, major metropolitan and regional infrastructure and incentives for councils to improve kerbside recycling systems.

The levy has also provided support for business and industry to reduce waste and introduce improved waste management practices, as well as having been directed at leading edge school educational projects, litter reduction and free household collection services for hazardous waste including e-waste.