Australia shifts from waste management to resource recovery

plastic bottles on a lawn

The National Waste and Recycling Industry Council (NWRIC) has rebranded as the Australian Resources Recovery Council (ARRC) to shift the national focus from waste management to resource recovery. ARRC CEO Rick Ralph emphasizes the need for policymakers to prioritize using recovered materials in domestic industries to meet Australia’s 2030 waste diversion targets.

With waste generation expected to reach 81 million tonnes by 2025, ARRC advocates for recognizing waste as a valuable renewable resource. The industry contributes $18.9 billion to the economy and supports over 95,000 jobs. Ralph urges government support to build sustainable markets for recycled materials, integrating them into manufacturing and supply chains.

The rebrand underscores ARRC’s commitment to reducing emissions, strengthening local industries, and transforming Australia’s waste narrative. Ralph calls for policy shifts from environmental concerns to industry-driven solutions that advance a true circular economy. Learn more about this here.

Image source: Pexels