Australians generate about 67 million tonnes of waste per year, and that figure is growing. We need to take action to reduce waste, and effectively manage the waste we create. We can 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. (Australian Government)
The 2018 National Waste Policy by the Australian Government provides a framework for collective action by businesses, governments, communities and individuals until 2030.
The policy identifies five overarching principles underpinning waste management in a circular economy. These include:
- Avoid waste
- Improve resource recovery
- Increase use of recycled material and build demand and markets for recycled products
- Better manage material flows to benefit human health, the environment and the economy
- Improve information to support innovation, guide investment and enable informed consumer decisions.
Source: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste-resource-recovery/publications/national-waste-policy-2018