We oppose the proposal to…

We oppose the proposal to reduce environmental assessment requirements for any thermal treatment or waste management facilities. We also oppose any move to reclassify projects that purport to turn waste to fuel as anything other than disposal.

We believe the net effect of streamlining approvals for experimental “advanced recycling” projects will result in at least three harmful outcomes:

1. Increased pollution, including greenhouse gas emissions, from thermal waste treatment.
2. A missed opportunity to focus on reduction and reuse of plastic packaging and products, including through elimination of plastics that are not fit for conventional recycling, by pretending that these can be effectively recycled another way instead.
3. Continued growth of throwaway plastic use and waste.

For these reasons, we urge you not to proceed with the proposed changes to environmental assessments for waste projects.