Release of recycling grants to boost regional and remote infrastructure in Western Australia
The Waste Authority was pleased to note the Minister’s recent announcement of more than $3.7 million in Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF) grants to support local recycling infrastructure and resource recovery projects across sixteen regional and remote local governments across Western Australia.
This round of grants specifically focused on regional and remote local government authorities, recognising the unique waste management and transport challenges faced by many communities across Western Australia.
The jointly funded Commonwealth and State initiative will help strengthen regional recycling capacity and support the transition to a circular economy through improved collection, sorting, storage and processing of priority recyclable materials impacted by Australia’s waste export bans. This includes plastics, paper and cardboard and whole used tyres.
Expansion of the Containers for Change program
The Waste Authority welcomed the expansion of the Containers for Change program from 1 July 2026 to include wine and spirits bottles, making all eligible containers between 150 millilitres and 3 litres redeemable for the 10-cent refund. Members noted the expansion is expected to add around 200 million containers to the scheme each year, further supporting the circular economy, reducing waste to landfill and delivering environmental, economic and community benefits across Western Australia.
Members also acknowledged the programs strong performance since its launch in 2020, with more than 5.4 billion containers recovered and over $21 million returned to charities, schools and community groups.
For more information on containers accepted under the expanded program, please visit Containers for Change.
Beyond WAste 2030 Strategy and Roadmap
The Waste Authority noted an update on the status of the Beyond WAste 2030 Strategy and Roadmap, and an overview of minor changes made to both documents since the Waste Authority’s endorsement of the drafts.
The final Beyond WAste 2030 Strategy and Roadmap are currently being considered by Government.
Development of a reporting framework for the Beyond WAste 2030 Roadmap
The Waste Authority supported the engagement of a consultant to inform the development of a robust reporting framework for monitoring and evaluating the delivery of actions under the new Beyond WAste 2030 Roadmap.
Perth metropolitan Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Landfill Audit
The Waste Authority noted key findings of the Perth metropolitan Commercial and Industrial (C&I) landfill audit, the first and most comprehensive C&I waste audit of this magnitude undertaken in Western Australia.
The C&I landfill audit, undertaken across five Perth metropolitan facilities, will provide valuable insights into the composition of waste being landfilled. The findings will help inform future policy and possible regulatory considerations to improve the management of C&I waste and support measurement of the State target to reduce organic waste disposed to landfill by 50 per cent from 2019-20 levels.
Members noted results confirmed that a substantial proportion of C&I materials disposed to landfill remains recoverable, particularly across priority streams including organics, plastics, construction materials and paper and cardboard.
Members acknowledged the valuable contribution of management teams and staff from metropolitan sites surveyed including the Millar Road Landfill Facility, Henderson Waste Recovery Park, Veolia Welshpool Resource Recovery Park, Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council Hazelmere Waste Transfer Station and the Armadale Landfill and Recycling Facility.
New Waste Authority website
Members received a sneak preview of a new refreshed Waste Authority website. The website will reflect the style of the new Beyond WAste 2030 Strategy and Roadmap and is anticipated to be released simultaneously with the new Strategy.
2027 Waste Authority meeting schedule
The Waste Authority approved its 2027 meeting schedule, with meetings to be held on 15 March, 14 June, 16 August and 22 November. One meeting will be a dedicated annual planning meeting, and another a regional meeting.
Acknowledgement of outgoing member Kelly Howlett
The Chair, Elizabeth Carr AM, acknowledged Kelly Howlett’s final meeting as a member of the Waste Authority ahead of the conclusion of Kelly’s 7-year term in August 2026.
On behalf of members, the Chair thanked Kelly for her dedicated service and valued contributions to the Authority, particularly her strong regional insight and perspective brought to discussions, and recognised Kelly’s longstanding commitment in travelling from her hometown of Port Hedland to attend meetings.
Next meeting
The next meeting of the Waste Authority will be held on 14 October 2026.
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