The United Nations has lauded South Australia’s waste management systems, describing the state’s efforts as international best practice.

 

The report describes South Australians as “highly environmentally conscious”, saying that “South Australians are used to working for the environment and expect the same standards from their industry and government.”

 

The report specifically mentions the effectiveness of the Zero Waste South Australia body, describing the body’s development as a significant move towards world-class waste management and disposal systems.

 

“South Australia has demonstrated a high level of political commitment and willingness to ‘stick its neck out’ and implement some policies and legislation upon which other administrations take a more conservative position. The Zero Waste Act and Plastic Bag Ban are two excellent examples of South Australia’s politicians showing leadership by putting in place the institutional structures, financing mechanisms, organizational capacity, and actions to support a major drive towards the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle),” the report finds.

 

The Local Government Association of South Australia said that the report highlights the incredible amount of resources that SA Local Government has put into best practices waste management and recycling and the leadership of the State Government in putting in place appropriate legislation to assist with waste management.

 

LGA President, Mayor Kym McHugh said the United Nations report recognised that the management of waste and the move towards landfill reduction and increased recycling has not always been easy but the results are more than worth the effort.

 

"The report gives a very comprehensive look at the history of waste management in South Australia, the introduction of the Zero Waste Act in 2004 and the promotion of waste management practices that have put us at the head of the field," Mayor McHugh said.

 

The report can be downloaded here