Australia needs to greatly improve when it comes to plastics and recycling. While our country is known for its landscapes and natural beauty, we are also gaining an unfortunate reputation for our staggering levels of plastic waste. In fact, recent data reveals that we have one of the highest per capita single-use plastic waste rates in the world, currently around 59kgs (approx.) per person with Singapore taking first place with 76kgs (approx.) per person & Oman currently sitting in third place with 56kgs per person (approx.).
On average, Australians generate approximately 76 million tonnes of waste each year, with less than two-thirds (63%) being recycled while the rest end up in our landfills and with waste generation increasing by nearly 8% over the last six years, it’s clear we need to act fast to avoid further environmental upset.
Different states in Australia are at varying stages when it comes to tackling waste. South Australia, which has long been at the forefront of recycling initiatives, is the current leader in the country. In 2022-2023, South Australia managed to recycle an impressive 80% of its 5.16 million tonnes of waste. However, when you look at New South Wales in the same period, only 66% of the 22.4 million tonnes of waste generated was recycled, which highlights the need for uniform and effective strategies nationwide.
The sheer volume of waste produced in Australia is alarming. Building and demolition materials are amongst the highest, contributing around 25 million tonnes of waste in 2020/21. Other significant categories include organics (14.4 million tonnes), ash (12 million tonnes), and hazardous waste (7.4 million tonnes) and it’s a known fact our overall recycling rate which in 2022 sat at 60%, isn’t keeping up with the increase in waste generation.
Various states have committed to significant investments aimed at boosting recycling rates. For example, Victoria has pledged a massive $515 million to improve recycling infrastructure between 2020 and 2030. This is part of a broader push to transform recycling processes, reduce waste, and improve the circular economy. The Australian Government has claimed to be investing $250 million in advanced recycling facilities, to assist with processing materials like plastic, glass, paper, and tyres into valuable new products.
We’re currently striving towards hitting the goal of making packaging 100% recyclable by 2025. While 84% of packaging in Australia is currently recyclable as of 2024, we still have a way to go to reach this target. The 2025 National Packaging Targets also aim to increase the
recycling or composting of plastic packaging to 70% and ensure that at least 50% of average recycled content is included in new packaging.
If there’s one area where Australia’s recycling efforts fall short, it’s plastic. We produce 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, but only 13% of this is properly recycled. The rest ends up in landfills or in our oceans. A shocking 130,000 tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans each year, which contributes to the global problem of plastic pollution. By 2050, it’s predicted by Australia’s Department of Climate Change that plastic in the oceans will outweigh fish, and that 99% of seabirds worldwide will have ingested plastic. An unnecessary environmental impact we cannot afford to ignore.
So, what needs to change? To address these alarming statistics, the Australian government is taking steps to reform how we handle waste, but the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on their shoulders. Recycling is costly when you consider infrastructure, transport & sorting and as individuals, we need to do our part to avoid/eliminate waste, reduce, reuse, and recycle. One simple yet impactful way to make a difference is by reducing our reliance on single-use plastics. Opting for reusable bags, bottles, and containers wherever possible. Additionally, it’s crucial that we dispose of recyclable materials correctly, ensuring they don’t end up in landfill.
Australia’s recycling system is far from perfect, but there’s still hope. With consistent investments in recycling infrastructure, state-level reforms, and a national push towards more sustainable packaging practices, we can make a significant dent in our waste crisis. However, we all need to play our part in reducing waste and ensuring that what we do discard is disposed of in the most environmentally friendly way possible.