Legislative Council - Fifty-First Parliament, Second Session (51-2)
2008-06-17 Daily Xml

Contents

ZERO WASTE SA

In reply to the Hon. J.M.A. LENSINK (18 October 2007).

The Hon. G.E. GAGO (Minister for Environment and Conservation, Minister for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, Minister Assisting the Minister for Health): I have been advised that:

The Zero Waste SA website lists companies that are established for the purpose of re-use and recycling otherwise waste materials.

Companies listed on the Zero Waste website as places for recycling electronic waste that ship electronic waste overseas are legally obliged to comply with the requirements of the Commonwealth Hazardous Waste (Regulation of Exports and Imports) Act 1989. The Act implements Australia's obligations under the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.

The object of the Act is to regulate the export, import and transit of hazardous waste to ensure that exported, imported or transited waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner so that human beings and the environment, both within and outside Australia, are protected from the harmful effects of the waste.

This Act has provisions and requirements in relation to the export of hazardous waste to OECD and non-OECD countries. Companies are expected to comply with this law. If the Hon Michelle Lensink is aware of any breech of the law, she should report it to the Commonwealth authorities immediately.