The Federal Government needs to take urgent action on batteries and electronics, according to Australia’s peak industry body for recycling.
The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has released its 2025 Federal Policy Platform, ‘Recycling for Australia’s Circular Economy: Unlocking productivity, jobs, and environmental benefit,’ which outlines critical actions needed to maximise the economic and environmental value of Australia’s recycling sector.
Suzanne Toumbourou, ACOR Chief Executive Officer, said the nation’s federal leaders must drive the harmonisation of resource recovery rules and prioritise the use of Australian recycled content.
“This will both boost productivity and strengthen Australia’s sovereign capability in resource recovery and remanufacturing, ensuring our recycling infrastructure investments achieve their full potential,” she said.
The recycling sector contributes nearly $19 billion to the economy and supports 95,000 jobs. ACOR has emphasised the need for consistent, national policies to overcome current challenges, including fragmented state regulations, insufficient market demand for recycled materials, and the growing hazard of battery waste.
The report highlighted focus areas including boosting demand for Australian recycled materials through government procurement and streamlined export licensing, implementing mandatory extended producer responsibility and recycled content thresholds and strengthening accreditation frameworks and creating clear triggers for new schemes.
It also highlighted the need for the establishment of a government-led body to streamline regulations and define end-of-waste criteria, establishment of a national extended producer responsibility sheme and public education campaigns.
Toumbourou said Australia’s recycling industry is a vital engine for the local economy and a critical component of environmental sustainability.
“To unlock its full potential, we need decisive national action that fosters strong end markets, streamlines regulations, and holds producers accountable for the lifecycle of their products,” she said.
“By implementing these recommendations, the government can drive innovation, create jobs, and build a truly circular economy.”
For more information, visit: acor.org.au
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