Australians have long embraced recycling as an environmental responsibility, but efforts are ramping up even further to reduce the country's plastic waste. With Australians generating roughly 5 million tons of plastic each year, only about 12% is currently being recycled. The federal and state governments have announced aggressive new targets and policies aimed at significantly boosting those recycling rates over the coming years.
National Target To Recycle 70% Of Plastic By 2025
The federal government released its National Waste Policy Action Plan earlier this year, which set an ambitious target of recycling 70% of all plastic waste generated in Australia by the year 2025. This marks a substantial increase over the current recycling rate of around 12%. Achieving this target will require a concerted effort across many fronts, including improvements to kerbside collection programs, expanded drop-off recycling facilities, investments in new recycling technology and infrastructure, and educating citizens on proper recycling practices.
States Leading The Charge With New Recycling Schemes
Several Australian states have already rolled out innovative new programs and policies to curb plastic waste and support the national recycling targets. New South Wales launched its Return and Earn container deposit scheme in 2017, which pays consumers 10 cents for every eligible beverage container recycled. In the first year of the program, over 800 million containers were returned - a recycling rate of 78%. South Australia has had a similar container deposit scheme for decades that boasts recycling rates over 80%. Queensland and Western Australia have also introduced plans to implement container deposit schemes in coming years.
Investments In Advanced Australia Recycled Plastic Technologies
In addition to consumer-focused recycling initiatives, governments and are ramping up investments in advanced plastic recycling technologies. CSIRO's Pilbara Plastics Recycling Pilot in Western Australia has been exploring new methods to recycle low-quality plastics like plastic bags and packaging that typically end up in landfills. Initial results show potential to convert this waste plastic into valuable fuel products. Several companies have also begun building large-scale plastic recycling plants across Australia that use pyrolysis and chemical recycling processes to break plastic down into its basic hydrocarbons and other products. These technologies can recycle plastics otherwise deemed non-recyclable through traditional means.
Challenges Remain Around Australia Recycled Plastic Types And Contamination
While progress is being made, significant challenges still exist if Australia hopes to reach its 70% recycling target within the next few years. One major issue is the wide variety of plastic resins and types currently on the , some of which local recycling facilities are not equipped to process. Educating consumers about which plastics can and cannot be placed in kerbside bins remains an ongoing effort. Contamination from food residues and non-target materials also reduces the quality and value of recycled plastic bales. Improving sorting technology and expanding s for lower-grade recycled plastic will be crucial.
Global Partnerships To Boost Domestic Australia Recycled Plastic
With domestic s and end-users for recycled plastics currently limited, Australia has also looked abroad for solutions. The country signed an agreement with Indonesia in 2019 to supply 500,000 tons of recycled plastic waste annually for conversion into products like park benches and textiles. Deals were also struck with other Asian nations like Thailand and India to export recyclable plastic to capitalize on their growing manufacturing sectors and demand for recycled raw materials. Expanding global partnerships will help sustainably manage Australia's plastic resources.
By implementing ambitious recycling targets and innovative collection, sorting and processing programs, Australia is demonstrating global leadership in reducing plastic pollution. While barriers remain around technologies, contamination and education, steady progress is being made each year. With continued government support, private sector investments, and public participation, the country is well positioned to transform its role in the circular plastic economy and achieve its 70% recycling target by 2025.
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Ravina Pandya, Content Writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemical and materials, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravina-pandya-1a3984191)
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1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
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