ACOR calls for critical action in recycling sector

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’, outlining critical actions needed to maximise the economic and environmental value of Australia’s recycling sector.

With the sector contributing nearly $19 billion to the economy and supporting 95,000 jobs, ACOR is urging the government to prioritise five key areas.

These areas include:

• strong end markets: boosting demand for Australian recycled materials through government procurement and streamlined export licensing
• expedited national packaging reform: implementing mandatory extended producer responsibility and recycled content thresholds
• urgent action on batteries and electronics: establishing national extended producer responsibility and public education campaigns
• genuine product stewardship: strengthening accreditation frameworks and creating clear triggers for new schemes
• nationally harmonised resource recovery rules: establishing a government-led body to streamline regulations and define end-of-waste criteria.
   

“Australia’s recycling industry is a vital engine for our local economy and a critical component of environmental sustainability,” said Suzanne Toumbourou, CEO of ACOR. “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. By implementing these recommendations, the government can drive innovation, create jobs and build a truly circular economy.”

ACOR’s platform emphasises 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.

“We are calling on our federal leaders to drive the harmonisation of resource recovery rules and prioritise the use of Australian recycled content,” Toumbourou said. “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.”

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