'Straight to landfill': Compostable packaging mandated but nowhere to compost it in ACT

The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) mandates the use of reusable, recyclable, and compostable packaging at all public events, a policy lauded for its environmental intent. However, a significant gap exists: the absence of facilities to actually compost the mandated materials means nearly all of it is sent to landfill.

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We're being sold a lie.

Vendors like Debbie Clifford, who serves coffee at the Capital Region Farmers Market, express deep frustration. "We're being sold a lie," she stated, pointing out that packaging labeled "compostable" is ultimately discarded as landfill waste. Clifford finds it demoralizing that the government isn't supporting citizens and businesses who are willing to make environmentally conscious choices, especially when compostable options are more expensive.

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It says compostable, but it's going straight to landfill.

Dan Watters, a resource recovery expert, highlights the practical challenges. He explains that the ACT lacks the necessary facilities to process certain compostable materials. Without dedicated composting infrastructure, these items are either sent to landfill, where they can produce methane, or incorrectly placed in recycling bins, contaminating entire loads. This situation undermines the policy's goals, turning a well-intentioned regulation into a source of confusion and waste.

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What I find really frustrating is that so many people are willing to do the right thing, but the government is not able to support our community to do that.

Waste advocates and small business owners argue that the ACT's policy represents a "window dressing" approach to sustainability. They contend that mandating compostable packaging without the corresponding infrastructure creates a false sense of environmental progress. The current system forces consumers and vendors to pay a premium for products that do not fulfill their environmental promise, leading to questions about the policy's true impact and the government's commitment to a full circular economy.

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You buy them because they're meant to be compostable. They're more expensive than a regular cup, and that's because they're meant to be better for the environment. What's the point? You pay a high price and it's all going to landfill anyway.