WASTE 2 ART is BACK - Over $5,000 worth of prizes to be won!

To inspire and encourage more kids (and schools) to participate in W2A 2012, we are offering FREE workshops in Gloucester, Tuncurry and Taree during the 2nd week of school holidays (July). During the workshops kids will be shown techniques for reuse that will make creating an artwork out of 'waste' that little bit easier. The skills learned will  also help households reuse everyday items on a regular basis, thus saving money. Enter now for some great prizes using the forms below. All Terms and Conditions are outlined in the forms.

School - Waste to Art Entry Form

Community - Waste to Art Entry Form

WASTE LEVY REVIEW

In 2009 the State Government expanded the previously metropolitan only Waste Levy into the Midwaste region. The levy applies to all waste going to landfill. It was introduced at $10/tonne and will rise $10 +CPI annually until it reaches $70/tonne. It is currently $31.10.

The waste and environment levy is designed to encourage resource recovery and recycling of waste. It is generally added to the disposal charges set by landfills. It provides businesses, councils and individuals with an incentive to reduce the amount of waste they generate and encourages them to seek legitimate alternatives to landfill disposal (DECCW: Waste and Environment Levy; an Operational Guide).

A small proportion (10-30%) of what each community pays comes back to the Local Council in the form of Waste and Sustainability Improvement Payments (WaSIP). There are standards that have to be met in order to receive this annual payment, which must be used on pre-approved program of activities that have not been previously planned by Council.

The Operational aspects of the Levy and the WaSIP are under review by the NSW Government who have engaged the consultancy firm KPMG to conduct the review on their behalf. Midwaste members attended the Levy Review Forum held in Port Macquarie on the 22nd Feb. The report to the government is due in May. Midwaste  has posted a submission to this review and eagerly awaits the results of it. All submissions can be read here.