Waste Special, Part One

The first in a two-part series, this episode frames the new and concerning waste recycling problem in Australia. The situation has grown critical since China’s “National Sword” decision earlier this year, not to take our recycling. Changing the ground rules on what they will — and won’t — accept has closed the door, leaving our councils effectively buried under a pile of waste.We talk to Councillors and Council staff to find out the very real stress the decision has placed them under to make changes and what consequences this will have for residents and ratepayers. We also talk to climate activist Dug Holmes for his take on the crisis and — as an added bonus — Mark shares with us what inspired him to start Climactic.In our second episode we’ll be looking at the bright side: the opportunities the recycling crisis presents.Enjoy the show!Credits:Caleb Fidecaro — ProducerRich Bowden — Co-FounderMark Spencer — Co-FounderAbigail Hawkins — DesignerGreg Grassi — ComposerSpecial Guests: Dugald Holmes and Katherine Copsey.Support ClimacticLinks: A billion kilograms of rubbish in need of a new home A crisis too big to waste: China's recycling ban calls for a long-term rethink in Australia China's recycling 'ban' throws Australia into a very messy waste crisis Garbage in, garbage out: Incinerating trash is not an effective way to protect the climate or reduce waste Waste-to-energy incineration should be 'last resort' as Josh Frydenberg flags expansion - Science News - ABC News — Mr Frydenberg described Australia's waste management problem as an "important, urgent issue" that he was looking forward to working with the states to solve."We've already got more than 30 [waste-to-energy] projects underway in Australia...and we look forward to expanding these over time," Mr Frydenberg said. See /privacy for privacy and opt-out information.