Waste Generation and Resource Efficiency
Public inquiry
This inquiry has concluded. The inquiry report was released by the Australian Government on 19 December 2006.
The inquiry was to cover resources associated with solid waste, including municipal waste, commercial and industrial waste, and construction and demolition wastes. It did not cover wastes that exhibit hazardous characteristics and pose an immediate and unacceptable risk of harm to human beings or the environment.
The objective of the inquiry was to identify policies that will address market failures associated with the generation and disposal of waste, including opportunities throughout the product life cycle. The inquiry included consideration of:
- economic, environmental and social benefits and costs
- factors that impede optimal resource efficiency and recovery, and waste management
- the adequacy of current data on material flows and relevant economic activity
- the impact of international trade and trade agreements
- strategies that could be adopted by government and industry to encourage optimal resource efficiency and recovery.
The Commission was also been asked to examine performance indicators, government and commercial procurement practices, and the impacts of government support to production and recovery industries.
Further information
- Productivity Commission to examine Waste and Resource Efficiency - Joint media statement by the Treasurer and Minister for the Environment and Heritage (external site)
- About the public inquiry process