✦ Plain-English Summary

Recycling and Waste Reduction (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020

What it does

This bill tidies up and transitions Australia's recycling laws after a major new recycling law came into effect. It mainly kills off the old Product Stewardship Act from 2011 and sets out the practical rules for moving from the old system to the new one—basically making sure businesses and regulators know what they're doing during the changeover.

Why it matters

Companies that make or import products are being asked to take more responsibility for recycling their stuff at the end of its life. This bill makes sure there are no legal gaps or confusion during the transition, and it updates court and enforcement rules to match the new system.

Key details

• Old law scrapped: The Product Stewardship Act 2011 is completely repealed and replaced by the new Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020
• Staggered commencement: Most changes kick in when Chapter 3 of the new Act starts; some court-related updates come later when the Federal Circuit and Family Court begins operating
• Who's affected: Companies in product manufacturing and importing, recycling businesses, and regulators need to follow the new rules; individuals mainly see this through changed recycling requirements and product accountability

Official Description

Introduced with the Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020, Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (General) Bill 2020. Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (Customs) Bill 2020 and Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (Excise) Bill 2020, the bill: repeals the Product Stewardship Act 2011 ; provides for application, saving and transitional provisions relating to product stewardship; enables the minister to make transitional rules; and amends the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 to make amendments contingent on the commencement of the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia Act 2020 .

Committee Referrals

Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.