With the upcoming state election, the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is calling on the next South Australian Government to strengthen policies that accelerate the state’s transition to a circular economy, warning that stronger action is needed to support local jobs, reduce emissions and create resilient local markets.
WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said circular economy policy must be recognised as a core economic and climate priority for the next government.
“The waste and resource recovery (WARR) sector is critical to protecting public health and the environment, creating local jobs and helping SA to reach its net zero targets. Circular economy policy is critical to reducing emissions, strengthening supply chains and creating local jobs.”
WMRR said the incoming government must prioritise four key actions: stronger producer responsibility laws to ensure products are designed for durability, repair and recycling — urgently starting with batteries; expanding organics recovery including mandatory source-separated commercial food organics collections; growing markets for recycled materials by mandating recycled content in government procurement; and improving transparency and reporting on emissions reductions achieved through recycling and resource recovery.
“With the right policy settings, SA can build a circular economy that uses less, keeps valuable materials in use for longer, cuts emissions and supports local jobs and investment,” Ms Sloan said. “The opportunity is there — but decisive action from the next government is needed.”