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The ubiquitous issue of contamination continues unabated within the organics recycling industry and I suspect that issue will not diminish any time soon.
The seriousness and complexity of the contamination issue, which we know full well is not just an organics problem, is beginning to galvanise industry and industry bodies to work together, unify messaging and tackle collaboratively the problem and, importantly, present a unified front to governments on how the issues may best be dealt with.
Of course there is more than one contaminant that poses a problem (think batteries, PFAS, plastic, asbestos, etc. to begin with) so the work to manage these is ongoing and likely for some time. But we have to start somewhere and address the contamination issues head-on with the understanding and appreciation that this is in the best interests of our environment, human health and the economy - compelling reasons to do it and get it right.
AORA recently joined with ten peak state, territory and national industry groups to call for urgent action on the growing hazard posed by batteries and electronics in conventional waste and recycling streams.
AORA has also recently issued a position paper 'Better Compost with Smart Bans', calling for bans on a range of contaminants (including plastic fruit and vegetable stickers, styrofoam packaging and plastic bread seals) and improved disposal management of a range of other items including batteries, plastic packaging and disposable wipes.
Until there is demonstrable action and change, you can expect the conversation on contamination to remain at the forefront of recycling and the circular economy.
You can read the position paper here - https://aora.org.au/aora-policies-and-statements/
John McKew
National Executive Officer
Australian Organics Recycling Association
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