'We need more plastic': Australian recyclers call to stop waste exports
The Australian soft plastics recycling industry is facing challenges due to excessive waste exports, which are driving up local prices. The federal government plans to reduce export exemptions, but industry leaders are calling for more action to keep plastic waste within Australia. Without adequate local supplies, recyclers warn they may be forced to operate overseas.
- ▪The plastics recycling industry claims too much waste is being sent offshore, increasing local costs.
- ▪The federal government is winding back legal exemptions on waste exports, but operators seek further measures.
- ▪Recyclers are struggling to source enough plastic waste to meet their processing needs.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Soft plastics export exemptions to be wound back as recycling industry pleads to retain wasteBy Margaret PaulTopic:Recycling and Waste ManagementFri 22 May 2026 at 5:13amFri 22 May 2026 at 5:13amFri 22 May 2026 at 5:13amRecycling company director Clive Townsend says more waste should stay in Australia for local processing. (ABC News: Tara Whitchurch)In short:The plastics recycling industry says too much plastic waste is being sent offshore, pushing up the price of the product locally.The ABC can reveal the federal government is winding back legal exemptions on the export of waste, but operators want more to be done.What's next?The Greens are calling for mandated packaging laws on local recycled content.abc.net.au/news/soft-plastics-recycling-industry-pleads-for-more-waste/106697720Link…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at ABC News (Australia).