The scope of the Departments Waste Management Strategic Plan encompasses the identification of current (and predicted) wastes,

current waste management practices, the assessment of management options (including avoidance) and the definition of strategies, actions, targets, timeframes, performance indicators and overall requirements with respect to all waste streams within the department and external areas of influence. The objectives are the implementation of a plan that ensures all requirements are addressed, that responsibilities are defined, that a review process is in place to aid continuous improvement in the management of the departments wastes and the fostering of a departmental culture that goes beyond mere legislative compliance.

1.4 Current waste management practices and processes Where quality and/or environmental management systems are currently in place, formal procedures exist in respect of licensing requirements for collection, disposal of waste petroleum products (paints, oils, solvents etc) and printing products (inks, dyes etc). Contractual arrangements are also in place for the collection, removal and disposal of general waste. On a more informal or loose basis, waste minimisation, recycle, reuse or avoidance practices are widespread throughout the department eg dedicated waste receptacles in tearooms, work areas, double siding when photocopying, turning off equipment (PCs, photocopiers etc) at the end of the working day and so on.

1.7 Polluter pays principle The polluter pays principle (refer section 11(1) of Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000) states that all costs associated with the management of waste should be borne by the persons who generated the waste. Such costs may include the following: waste minimisation; containing, treating and disposing of waste; and rectifying environmental harm caused by waste.

1.8 User pays principle The user pays principle (refer section 12(1) of Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000) states that all costs associated with the use of a resource should, if practicable, be included in the prices of the goods and services (including government services) that result from the use. Waste management costs would be reduced if waste generation were avoided.

1.9 Product stewardship principle The product stewardship principle (refer section 13 of Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Policy 2000) states that the producer of a product should plan its design and production to minimise the environmental harm that may be caused by waste generated from the production, distribution, use or disposal of the product.

Avoidance/reduction: double siding of printed documents to reduce paper usage and energy consumption; using email and other electronic means of communication and storage to minimise need for hard copies; separating recyclable materials from general waste to reduce quantity going to land fill; purchasing printers/photocopiers with duplexing capability; fitting movement sensor switches to office etc lighting, switching off PCs etc at end of day, to reduce energy consumption; encouraging agencies to lease/hire 4 cylinder instead of 6 cylinder vehicles; investigating potential for inclusion of alternative fuelled vehicles (LPG) and alternative technology vehicles (petrol/electric hybrid) vehicles in government vehicle fleet; installing energy efficient lighting systems (eg. tri-phosphor tubes); minimising solvent related emissions at workshops by investing in latest spray painting and spray booth technologies; using off white (recycled) paper to preserve natural resources (old growth forests); and promoting the use of ecologically sustainable fit out guidelines in all office fit outs Reuse: printing draft copies of documents on scrap paper; reusing folders, file covers and the like; composting green waste generated at nurseries for use on outdoor landscaped areas; and disposing of worn tyres for use as re-treads etc. Recycling: using refillable toner cartridges for photocopiers and printers - except if likely to void manufacturers warranty (could also be classified under re-use); placing recycling receptacles at desks, printers, copiers; placing bins in tea rooms (or other designated locations) for recycling of empty glass, steel, aluminium, plastic products; arranging for packaging (eg MDF cover sheets), off cuts, pallets, cartons etc to be recycled by relevant organisations; and arranging for solvents, oils etc to be collected for recycling by licensed operators.