16/05/2006
- Tracing and tracking hazardous waste in New
Zealand will soon be as easy as sitting at a computer
thanks to the introduction of a new government
funded database.
WasteTRACK is an internet-based
system that has been designed to improve the monitoring
of hazardous waste throughout its life cycle and
has received nearly $300,000 of Government funding,
Environment Minister David Benson-Pope said today.
The database, which has been
welcomed by the waste industry and territorial
authorities, is already being used by some city
and district councils, and will be rolled-out
around New Zealand.
“WasteTRACK is all about transparency.
For the first time, we will know exactly where
hazardous waste is going throughout its entire
life cycle. This system is an important tool in
the management of hazardous waste,” said Mr Benson-Pope.
“Creating clarity and certainty
about what happens with hazardous waste is a key
focus of the Government’s hazardous waste policy.
We are not only looking out for the well-being
of the environment, but we are also focusing on
the health of our communities.”
WasteTRACK, which is modelled
on a similar scheme from the Western Australian
Department of Environment, was trialled in New
Zealand in 2005. During that time more than 75
million litres of liquid and hazardous waste,
mainly from farms and household septic tanks,
has been tracked.
Currently Waipa District Council,
Hamilton City Council and Waikato District Council
are using WasteTRACK. Mr Benson-Pope says more
councils have expressed an interest in using the
system to gain better control of what enters treatment
plants and disposal facilities.
Representative of the liquid
and hazardous waste industry, Richard Worsnop,
emphasises the sector’s support of the initiative:
“With this system our members have the opportunity
to improve their environmental performance. Participating
companies have to comply with specific requirements
to guarantee quality and minimum standards,” he
said.
