National Waste Policy

Less waste, more resources: Australian Government, state and territory governments and the Australian Local Government Association 2018

We can better support our economy, protect the health of our communities and reduce environmental impacts if we harness the value of materials we dispose of and return them to productive use. For every Australian, 2.7 tonnes of waste is generated every year. The materials lost to landfill, such as plastics, paper, glass, metals, textiles, masonry, food and other

organic materials, are resources that are going to waste. Governments and businesses have a long history of working together to improve waste management

practices. Communities are also increasingly making informed choices about the production, purchase and disposal of goods they consume.

Since 2006, the amount of waste generated per person in Australia

has declined by 10 per cent. The recovery rate (including recycling and energy recovery from waste) has increased from 50 per cent in 2006–07 to 58 per cent in 2016–17.Despite this, waste generation overall continues to rise, driven by growing populations.