Submission into the review of the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010

ATSE’s submission emphasises the importance of adopting a systems approach to increase resource productivity, improve recovery, and transition to a circular economy. Drawing on insights from ATSE’s 2020 report Towards a Waste Free Future and the 2023 statement Becoming a Net Zero Nation, the submission highlights the potential of technology to drive change by supporting product stewardship, leveraging big data and analytics for better decision-making, and enhancing resource recovery through advanced technologies. ATSE supports the EPA’s proposal to incorporate climate change mitigation into South Australia’s circular economy framework, underscoring that a well-implemented circular economy can significantly reduce emissions, improve sustainability, and create new economic opportunities. By addressing key barriers such as economic feasibility, policy uncertainty, and investment gaps, ATSE’s recommendations aim to foster innovation and ensure South Australia can lead the way in waste reduction and resource management.

Recommendations from ATSE’s submission 

Recommendation 1: A paradigm shift to design for waste avoidance. 

Recommendation 2: A system approach to increase resource productivity and recovery.  

Recommendation 3: Big data and analytics to inform decision making by policy-makers, businesses and consumers. 

Recommendation 4: Targeted government investment and regulatory reform and policy certainty.