Australia faces a critical challenge in the future management of our waste. New forms of waste are set to increase, including e-waste, solar PV panels, and batteries. Advanced technologies and engineering solutions have the potential to divert valuable resources from landfill.

Recycling, reuse, remanufacturing and refurbishment of products can create a closed system, minimising waste.

Economic benefits of a waste management industry include job creation (for every 10,000 tonnes of waste recycled, 9.2 jobs are created) and it has been estimated a recycling plant could bring up to $166 million in net gain to Victoria alone over the coming decade.

This project delivers an objective, evidence-based, expert assessment of Australia’s readiness to develop a leading-edge waste and resource recovery sector based on innovation and technology by 2030, along with targeted policy and research recommendations to support this transformation.