Australia
Australia has implemented a comprehensive waste management system that emphasizes sustainability and environmental responsibility. A key component of this system is the adoption of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) schemes.
Implementation in Australia:
In Australia, EPR is implemented through various product stewardship programs. These programs require producers to manage the environmental impacts of their products, especially at the end-of-life stage.
Benefits of EPR:
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Environmental Impact: By holding producers accountable, EPR reduces waste generation and promotes the recycling and reuse of materials.
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Economic Efficiency: EPR shifts the financial burden of waste management from public authorities to producers, leading to more efficient resource utilization.
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Innovation: Producers are incentivized to design products that are easier to recycle or have a longer lifespan, fostering innovation in product development.
Legal basis
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Legal Basis for EPR in Australia
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in Australia is primarily governed by the Product Stewardship Act 2011 (Cth), which establishes a national framework for managing the environmental impact of products throughout their lifecycle. Under this legislation, both mandatory and voluntary product stewardship schemes exist, ensuring that manufacturers, importers, and retailers take responsibility for the disposal and recycling of their products. Key regulated programs include the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) and industry-led initiatives like the Australian Packaging Covenant Organisation (APCO). Additionally, state and territory governments enforce waste management regulations, such as bans on problematic plastics and container deposit schemes. Recent developments, including the formation of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA), reflect a growing emphasis on EPR as a strategy to enhance circular economy practices and reduce landfill waste.
Facts and figures
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Australia’s approach to Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is primarily guided by the Product Stewardship Act 2011 (Cth), which establishes a national framework for managing the environmental impact of products throughout their life cycle. This Act allows for mandatory, co-regulatory, and voluntary product stewardship schemes, meaning businesses can be required—or encouraged—to take responsibility for the waste they generate.
Several state-based laws complement the national framework, such as waste levies, plastic bans, and container deposit schemes (CDS), which operate in most states and territories. Some of the most recognized EPR schemes in Australia include:
- The National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS), which has collected over 150,000 tonnes of e-waste since 2012.
- The Australian Packaging Covenant (APCO), which works towards making 100% of packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable by 2025.
- The Battery Stewardship Scheme, which aims to improve battery collection and recycling across the country.
- The Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) initiative, developed in response to the collapse of soft plastic recycling programs in 2023.
While EPR is not yet universally mandated, the federal government is working with industry stakeholders and state governments to strengthen EPR obligations, ensuring a shift towards a circular economy.
Packaging organisation/s in Australia
