Like many hills residents, I was very disappointed by the recent government decision to suspend soft plastic collections for recycling.
To me, it was annoying because it represented a return to the ‘bad old days’ when all soft plastics either became litter or went to landfill.
This has happened because of government inaction. They have failed to ensure that we have adequate recycling facilities. They have also failed to do anything to help create a demand for products made from recycled materials.
These products should be exempt from GST to reflect their environmental benefits. In the recycling process, they use less water, less energy, save raw materials, reduce litter, save landfill space and reduce
greenhouse gases.
To the government, I say if the price is right more people will buy recycled and as demand increases their price will come down further. Only our governments can pull the levers that will make this start happening.
