Plastic waste in Australia  

And the recycling greenwash  

 

By 2050, the amount of plastic consumed in 

Australia will more than double. Despite 

government policies aimed at creating a ‘circular 

economy’, j

ust 14% of plastic waste is kept out of 

landfill. Recycling plastic is inefficient, expensive 

and hazardous, and there is little demand for 

recycled plastics. Policies to cap or phase down the 

use of plastics, including a plastics tax, are needed. 

 

Discussion paper 

Lilia Anderson 
Nina Gbor 
 
January 2024