CANBERRA, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has announced a new Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) to boost the nation's waste and recycling capabilities.

Sussan Ley, minister for the Environment, announced on Monday that the federal government would commit 190 million Australian dollars (131.9 million U.S. dollars) to the fund.

The fund will support innovative investment in new infrastructure to sort, process and remanufacture materials such as mixed plastic, paper, tyres and glass.

Ley said that the scheme is expected to create up to 10,000 jobs.

"As we cease shipping our waste overseas, the waste and recycling transformation will reshape our domestic waste industry, driving job creation and putting valuable materials back into the economy," she said in a media release on Monday.

"Australians need to have faith that the items they place in their kerbside recycling bins will be re-used in roads, carpet, building materials and a range of other essential items.

"At the same time, we need to stop throwing away tonnes of electronic waste and batteries each year and develop new ways to recycle valuable resources.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to remodel waste management, reduce pressure on our environment and create economic opportunity."

Ley also said in a media release in May that restrictions related to COVID-19 made it impossible for Parliament to pass legislation in time for the July 1 deadline but that the government will not waiver on its commitment to banning the export on waste glass.

"After consulting with industry, the export ban on waste glass will now commence on 1 January 2021," Ley said in the media release on May 26.

"The ban on the export of waste plastic, paper and tyres will come into effect from July 2021 through to July 2024." Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)