How Much We Recycle

Australia’s recycling of core waste has increased by 52% over the last 13 years.

Among the states and territories, South Australia leads the way with a recycling rate of 80%, followed by the ACT (75%), and NSW and Victoria (both 65%). Methane from landfills represents 97% of emissions from Australia’s waste management industry.

NameRecycling Rate of Core Waste + Ash (%)CAGREnergy RecoveryAshBiosolidsGlassHazardousMasonry MaterialsMetalsMiningOrganicsPaper & CardboardPlasticsTextiles, Leather & Rubber (excl. tyres)Other
NSW65%1.50%2.60%72.40%95.60%63.70%3.70%89.60%90.40%0.00%46.90%54.90%12.30%0.70%8.50%
VIC65%2.40%3.30%0%95.00%66.80%26.20%84.60%90.50%0.10%0.10%67.30%21.20%10.40%0%
QLD42%1.90%2.90%17.60%100%38.00%36.20%61.70%89.00%0.00%32.80%57.30%7.40%0%100%
SA80%0.80%4.40%0%99.00%83.30%45.40%92.00%93.30%0.00%69.70%76.30%25.80%47.40%63.30%
NT19%6.30%3.40%NA73.90%43.50%56.60%10.90%7.80%0.00%1.00%1.00%3.10%21.20%0.00%
ACT75%0.20%3.80%NANA67.30%11.50%87.30%84.00%NA75.10%57.00%17.00%0.60%95.70%
WA60%4.40%1.90%72.40%73.90%45.70%49.40%76.40%90.60%0.00%28.40%50.40%6.40%3.60%0%
TAS39%0.60%5.30%NA95.00%66.80%26.20%84.60%90.50%0.10%40.80%44.20%6.10%1.20%0%