Scott Morrison vows to take action on the Recycling Crisis in Australia, only 12% of curb side recycled plastic is being correctly processed
“The promise to them is being broken and we have to keep that promise,”
Scott Morrison
In 2016-2017 Australians produced 67m tonnes of waste approximately 2,700kg per person
How much are we recycling?
Australians generate more waste and recycle less than most average developed economies.
We recycle approximately 40% of core waste (materials generally managed by the waste and resource recovery sector, comprising solid non-hazardous materials and hazardous waste including liquids.), but 21.7m tonnes will still make its way to landfill.
Our National recycling rate is only 55% with the best performer being South Australia at 78% and the northern territory being the worst at only 11%, while Victoria sits at 68%.
What are we recycling?
Only 12% of plastics in Australia are being recycled, while metals are at 90%, Masonry materials are at 72%, paper and cardboard 60%, glass 57%, organics 52%, ash 43%, AND hazardous waste 27%
This leaves 2000m kg is going to landfill.
Exports?
With recycling exports in Australia coming to an end, the Australian government and the states and territories have agreed to end the practice altogether, meaning waste will now be dealt with on shore.
This will require substantial funding and support form states and federal government, including procurement and spending targets, particularly on roads and infrastructure to ensure maximum materials can be recycled.
A push for waste to energy projects to be implemented and Australia’s plastic recycling should also be improved.
