The Federal Government has outlined new regulations under the Product Stewardship Act in a bid to form a national scheme for the recycling of televisions and computers.

 

Parliamentary Secretary for Sustainability and Urban Water, Senator Don Farrell, said the regulations were an important step towards implementing the industry-led scheme, which aims to boost the recycling rate for televisions and computer to 80 per cent by 2020-21.

 

"The commencement of these regulations means that the television and computer industry can now apply for approval of their recycling arrangements, which will be responsible for the roll-out of collection services across Australia and for delivering on the scheme's recycling targets," Senator Farrell said.

 

"The television and computer industry will also be able to get credit for early recycling action from 8 November 2011 towards their first recycling target of 30 per cent.

 

Senator Farrell said the making of the regulations follows nearly two years of extensive consultations with industry, NGOs, consumer groups, local and state governments.

 

"Industry, states and territory and local governments have been working closely with the Australian Government on a scheme to reduce television and computer waste to landfill and increase the recovery of valuable resources from these products," Senator Farrell said.

 

The Product Stewardship Act commenced on 8 August 2011 and is a key element of the National Waste Policy.