How Australia is sorting its giant waste and recycling problem | ABC News

Summary

Australia's recycling crisis has escalated since China stopped accepting waste in 2018. Despite increased recycling efforts, most of the nation's plastic waste still ends up in landfills due to contamination and inefficient sorting. New policies, such as bans on single-use plastics and investments in local recycling industries, are helping tackle the issue. Companies are also innovating with more sustainable packaging, while advanced sorting technologies improve recycling efficiency. However, the key to long-term solutions lies in reducing waste at its source, and ensuring a circular economy where recycled materials are used in production.

Takeaways

• 😀 Australians generate 3.4 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, but only 11% of it can be recycled.
• 🌏 China's 2018 ban on importing waste created significant global upheaval, forcing countries like Australia to rethink their recycling practices.
• 🚮 Australia's waste management system struggled to cope with the influx of recyclable materials after China stopped accepting them.
• 🏙️ One of the world's largest waste dumps in China reached capacity in 2020, illustrating the scale of global waste generation.
• 📦 Everyday items like Pringles cans and toothpaste tubes are challenging to recycle due to mixed materials that can't be separated efficiently.
• 📈 Despite increased recycling efforts in Australia, the amount of waste going to landfills has remained constant, showing the growing plastic consumption.
• 💡 The Australian government launched the National Plastics Plan, pledging to make 100% of packaging recyclable, compostable, or reusable by 2025.
• 🛍️ South Australia led the way by banning single-use plastics like straws and plastic bags, with other states following suit.
• 🗑️ Mislabeling of recycling products is a significant issue, with many items marked as recyclable that actually cannot be recycled, leading to contamination.
• ⚙️ Advanced sorting technology in recycling centers has improved the separation of recyclable materials, but challenges remain with soft plastics and black plastics.
• ♻️ Companies like Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola are investing in sustainable packaging, with commitments to using more recycled materials in production.

Q & A

What percentage of plastic waste in Australia is recycled?

Only about 11% of plastic waste in Australia is recycled, with the rest either sent offshore or ending up in landfills.

How has China's 'war on waste' affected global recycling markets?

China's ban on importing waste in 2018 caused a major disruption in global recycling markets, as many countries, including Australia, had been sending their waste there. The ban led to a surplus of waste in countries like Australia, which then had to deal with it domestically.

What was the primary reason China stopped accepting recycling from other countries?

China stopped accepting recycling primarily due to the high levels of contamination in the imported waste, such as dirty food containers, nappies, and mixed materials, making it difficult to process.

How much plastic waste does Australia generate annually?

Australia generates 3.4 million tonnes of plastic each year, a significant portion of which is not recycled and ends up in landfills.

What has been Australia's response to the global recycling crisis?

In response to the recycling crisis, Australia has launched a billion-dollar initiative to improve recycling infrastructure, with a goal to recycle, compost, or reuse 100% of packaging by 2025.

What types of plastics are most difficult to recycle?

Plastics like pringles cans, toothpaste tubes, and soft plastics are among the most difficult to recycle because they are made of multiple materials, requiring disassembly for proper recycling.

Why is it important to sort waste correctly in the recycling process?

Correct sorting is critical because different types of plastic and waste materials require different processing methods. Incorrectly sorted waste, such as soft plastics, can cause contamination and disrupt the recycling machinery.

What role do major corporations like Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola play in improving recycling efforts in Australia?

Corporations like Kellogg’s and Coca-Cola are helping to lead change by trialing new recyclable packaging and committing to purchase recycled plastic. This supports the local recycling industry and promotes a circular economy.

How does the new Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) help consumers?

The ARL provides consumers with clear, detailed instructions on how to properly recycle packaging, ensuring that people know what can be recycled and how to dispose of it correctly.

What is the current challenge with plastic labeling in Australia?

One challenge is that manufacturers can put any recycling logo on packaging, even if the material is not recyclable. This has created confusion and improper disposal practices among consumers.