4 facts about recycling in Australia

4 facts about recycling in Australia

Australia generates an enormous amount of waste material every year. Fortunately, a large part of this waste is recycled. In fact, as a waste management professional, I’m incredibly glad that recycling in Australia is taken seriously by most people. This is probably why we enjoy one of the highest recycling rates in the world.

Today, I’ll take this opportunity to highlight some facts about recycling in Australia. Continue reading this post to find out how well Australia does in recycling waste. Hopefully, this post will inspire you to contribute to recycling in Australia.

1. Australia has a long history with recycling

You’ll be surprised to know that Australia has a long history with recycling. In fact, recycled materials were used since the early 1800s in Australia. The first paper mill to use recycled materials was built way back in 1815- well over 200 years ago! However, waste paper collection from households did not actually start till 1920 when it was first introduced in Melbourne.

2. Australia leads the world in paper recycling

Given that recycled paper was used in Australia as early as 1815, it should come as no surprise that we lead the world in paper recycling. Australia recycles 87% of cardboard and paper for every tonne of waste that is recycled. This is equivalent to saving 13 trees for every tonne of waste that is recycled. Our paper recycling rate is one of the highest in the world.

3. We recycle over half of the waste we generate

There’s certainly no denying that us Aussies generate a massive amount of waste every year. We generate more than 48 million tonnes of waste every year. That’s equivalent to 2.1 tonnes of waste per person per year. Fortunately, almost 60% of the waste that we generate is recycled and put to good use. Our recycling rate is far better than most other countries in the world – something we should definitely be proud of.

4. Australia is generating more organic waste than ever

Thanks to the great efforts of recycling in Australia, we have started generating more organic waste than ever. Due to the increase in use of recycled products, we are beginning to generate organic waste, which is also recyclable. It is estimated that 47% of household waste that we generate is organic waste that can be recycled. Food waste, garden waste and other organic waste materials are being sent to recycling depots from every part of Australia.

From these amazing facts about recycling in Australia, we certainly should feel good about ourselves. But, you can further contribute to recycling by being more conscious about how you dispose your waste. To increase the amount of waste that you recycle, consider using one of our skip bins at 4 Waste Walk-In Skip Bins for waste disposal. We’re completely committed to the environment and we’ll make sure to recycle as much of your waste as possible. By making use of our rubbish removal services, even you can contribute to the cause of recycling in Australia.

Conclusion:

Australia may generate an enormous amount of waste every year, but fortunately most of it is recycled. We have a long history with recycling – dating back over 200 years ago when the first paper mill to use recycled paper was built. Currently, we lead the world in paper and cardboard recycling. We also recycle almost 60% of the total waste we generate every year. And, thanks to all of this, we are generating more and more organic waste. Organic waste is completely recyclable, so this further helps our cause with recycling.


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IMPORTANT: MUST READ

Green Waste Rules: No logs, stumps, palm Logs, whole trees, mulched trees, golden cane trunks, soil, or turf. Branches must be under 13cm in diameter. All green waste must stay under the top rail of the Skip Bin, with nothing poking up.

General Waste Rules: No rocks, bricks, tiles, concrete, pavers, hard wood, paint, chemicals, tyres, carpet, soil, dirt, sand or hard fill. All general waste must stay under the top rail of the skip bin, with nothing poking up.