Recycling and Waste Reduction (Product Stewardship—Accreditation of Voluntary Arrangements) Rules 2020.

The Recycling and Waste Reduction (Product Stewardship—Accreditation of Voluntary Arrangements) Rules 2020 establish the framework for accrediting voluntary product stewardship arrangements under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020. These rules enable administrators of such arrangements to apply for accreditation, which allows them to use a product stewardship logo and demonstrate alignment with the Act’s objectives. Accreditation is granted by the Minister based on specific criteria, including the arrangement’s governance, financial viability, environmental and health safeguards, and capacity to achieve measurable outcomes. The Minister must be satisfied that the arrangement will deliver overall benefits across the product’s life cycle and must refuse accreditation if it fails to meet the Act’s objectives or stewardship criteria. Accreditation is valid for up to five years and may be subject to conditions. It can be varied or cancelled by the Minister, either on application or initiative, particularly if the arrangement no longer meets required standards or if the administrator fails to comply with obligations. Administrators are required to report annually on performance, publish a summary of the arrangement online, and notify the Minister of any events that may affect the arrangement’s ability to meet its commitments.