The Federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is undertaking a statutory review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act (2020) that is intended to examine:?
- the operation of the Act, and
- the extent to which the objectives of the Act have been achieved.
The Act supports action to regulate the export of certain waste materials from Australia. It also establishes a framework for product stewardship, including for voluntary, co-regulatory and mandatory approaches.
The review should provide recommendations to improve the efficiency and impact of the Act in addressing current and future circular economy needs, resource recovery and waste challenges.
This includes consideration of:
- limitations of current approaches to product stewardship, including concerns around the viability, integrity and impact of stewardship schemes supported by the Act;
- whether waste export regulations are fit for purpose, including what process, decision making, and evidence would be needed to regulate the export of waste representing existing and emerging harms;
- improving the mechanisms by which the Australian Government can take action to respond to the needs of developing circular economy markets;
- how the Act operates with relevant international and domestic obligations; and
- any matters relevant and worthy of consideration.
The review will provide a report to the Minister for the Environment and Water within 6 months of commencement.
Online feedback is sought by 5.00pm AEDT, 27 February 2025
