Waste export ban definitions and timing

NSW and Australian government policies and the waste export ban are impacting on NSW’s kerbside recycling systems and the options for recycled material produced in NSW.

There are limited domestic markets for recycled materials sourced from kerbside recycling, particularly if they are poor quality, and little "pull through" from end markets. Many material recovery facilities continue to revise existing waste contracts with councils to cover their increased operational costs.

With an expenditure of $10 billion annually, local government in NSW has significant purchasing power and, along with state and federal action, could make a real difference. Some NSW councils are already working to develop markets for their recyclables, including the use of recycled glass in civil construction.

Image source: Australian Government

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