An anti-dumping activist in North Queensland is urging the state government to address a significant illegal tyre dump near Townsville, emphasizing the need for a stewardship program to manage waste effectively.
In North Queensland, anti-dumping activist Dave Dudley has raised concerns over a large illegal tyre dump located about an hour and a half from Townsville, which is estimated to contain around 1,000 tyres. This accumulation poses significant environmental hazards and highlights the need for stricter regulations regarding tyre waste. Dudley is advocating for the Queensland government to implement a mandatory stewardship program that would require industry players to take responsibility for the proper disposal and recycling of tyres, aiming to reduce illegal dumping practices.
Annually, approximately 540,000 tonnes of tyres reach the end of their service life in Australia. While a portion of these tyres is recycled or repurposed for industrial fuel, a substantial number are illegally dumped or stockpiled, exacerbating environmental concerns. The issue of waste management in this context is becoming increasingly pressing, as illegal dumping practices pose risks not only to the environment but also to community health and safety.
In response to this crisis, the federal environment department has announced a review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act. This review aims to enhance regulations that govern waste tyre exports and stewardship, which could potentially lead to effective frameworks for managing tyre disposal and minimizing illegal dumping incidents in the future. The push for legislative changes is crucial in fostering a sustainable approach to waste management in Australia, particularly in the waste tyre sector.
