The Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR) has released a 2025 Federal Policy Platform, urging the government to take urgent action on batteries and electronics to boost productivity, create jobs, and benefit the environment. The organization is calling for the harmonization of resource recovery rules, prioritization of using Australian recycled content, and consistent national policies to overcome current challenges such as fragmented state regulations and lack of market demand for recycled materials. The recycling sector contributes nearly $19 billion to the economy and supports 95,000 jobs. ACOR is pushing for measures such as boosting demand for recycled materials through government procurement, implementing mandatory extended producer responsibility, and strengthening accreditation frameworks. Establishing a government-led body to streamline regulations and define end-of-waste criteria is also essential, according to the organization. By implementing these recommendations, the government can drive innovation, create jobs, and build a circular economy.
To promote a thriving circular economy, it is crucial that there be a consistent set of national policies in place.
