The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has granted authorisation to the Australian Paint Manufacturers’ Federation, Paint Stewardship Limited and certain paint manufacturers to introduce a 15 cents per litre levy on paint to support a National Paint Product Stewardship Scheme.
The Federation represents paint manufacturers responsible for over 90 per cent (by volume) of paint sold in Australia. The Paint Stewardship Scheme will be a national program intended to promote the safe disposal of all waste architectural and decorative paint. The Federation estimates that around half of all waste paint in Australia is not disposed of properly.
“Waste paint often contains hazardous chemicals which can harm the environment if disposed of improperly,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“The ACCC considers that the Paint Stewardship Scheme will result in public benefits by addressing this potential environmental harm.”
“The Paint Stewardship Scheme will provide a safe and accessible method of waste paint disposal. It will replace household hazardous chemical disposal programs currently run by state and territory governments,” Ms Rickard said.
The Federation will establish fixed and mobile waste paint collection points within a reasonable distance of 85 per cent of Australians by 2021.
The ACCC has granted authorisation until 1 June 2021.
Authorisation provides statutory protection from court action for conduct that might otherwise raise concerns under the competition provisions of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010. Broadly, the ACCC may grant an authorisation when it is satisfied that the public benefit from the conduct outweighs any public detriment.