The ACT's ambitious environmental goals are being undermined by a lack of infrastructure and awareness. 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 for composting. This is a missed opportunity to truly embrace a circular economy and a source of frustration for vendors and waste advocates alike.
Debbie Clifford, a vendor at the Capital Region Farmers Market, highlights the contradiction between the government's policies and the reality on the ground. She points out that compostable packaging is often more expensive and yet ends up in landfills, as there is no infrastructure to support its composting. This sentiment is shared by Dan Watters, who has worked in resource recovery for decades and is now demoralized by the lack of action.
The issue is not just about the lack of facilities but also about the complexity of waste management. Sarah Power, the market manager, acknowledges the confusion among vendors and customers about what to do with compostable packaging. The market has tried to partner with composting companies, but the process is expensive and relies on shipping waste interstate, which contradicts the environmental goals of the ACT.
The ACT government's spokesperson acknowledges the issue, stating that while major events in the ACT are focused on reducing waste and carbon emissions, not all compostable packaging can be composted. Products with waterproof and non-stick coatings, for example, should not be composted and can cause issues in composting facilities. This means that some compostable packaging ends up in landfills, undermining the very purpose of the policy.
The ACT has an opportunity to lead the way in composting waste at scale, but it requires a mix of carbon and nitrogen and a bit of thinking and effort. The FOGO trial is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The government needs to invest in the necessary infrastructure and educate the public about the proper use of compostable packaging.
In conclusion, the ACT's environmental goals are being undermined by a lack of infrastructure and awareness. While the government has mandated the use of compostable packaging, the reality is that most of this packaging ends up in landfills. This is a missed opportunity to truly embrace a circular economy and a source of frustration for vendors and waste advocates alike. It is time for the ACT to take the necessary steps to support the composting of waste and truly live up to its environmental goals.
