]]
Publications
Most publications are available as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window
DEH submission
Department of the Environment and Heritage, February 2006
The Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) welcomes the opportunity to present a submission to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into Waste Generation and Resource Efficiency.
Waste generation and disposal can have significant environmental impacts. These include emissions to air, land and water (including greenhouse gas emissions) at various stages in the product life cycle from extraction of raw materials to processing, marketing, transport and consumption, as well as the direct impacts associated with disposal.
Due to a range of market failures (including externalities and information failures) and institutional and regulatory barriers, the environmental costs of production and consumption are often not reflected in market prices. Collective action by governments, industry and the community to correct these failures can, if well designed, lead to improved social, environmental and economic outcomes.