At the Table: March & April 2026

WMRR met with DCCEEW to discuss its independent review of the Kerbside Design for Recyclability work that closed in late 2024 in April 2026. WMRR raised concerns that this framework continues to be complex, does not align with the approach taken under the Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (Regulation EU 2025/40) and does not give sufficient regard to the recovery infrastructure available across Australia (or lack thereof). It is unclear the next steps of the project at this time, however the reviewer was having further discussions with APCO and other stakeholders.
New paper/cardboard export contamination limit (≤5%) effective 1 July 2026.
WMRR has also raised concerns directly with DCCEEW about the lack of progress on packaging reform and the review of the RAWR Act, to date no date beyond “later this year” for these has been provided in response.

A number of roundtables and ongoing meetings are being held with state and federal government on the pressure created on industry by the war in the Middle East. In particular, Victoria and NSW have been proactive with industry. All advice continues to indicate that fuel supply remains stable (30 days diesel, 36 days petrol); primary issue continues to be affordability, not access.
Fair Work Commission has issued the fuel cost recovery road transport contractual chain order (RTCCO) to allow fortnightly fuel cost pass-through across road transport.
Supply chain disruptions are emerging (e.g. landfill liner and pipework). WMRR is attempting to drive the shift towards using locally sourced recycled products and is following up RMF investment across Australia. Engagement is underway with broader industry to improve uptake of recycled materials; data gathering and connections in progress.
National fuel roadmap is progressing (Stage 2); NSW and Victorian emergency fuel centres meeting weekly. WMRR continues to engage states on emergency fuel planning.

An updated Landfill Gas NGERS Method 2 was released as part of the 2026 NGERS review, and WMRR responded to this proposal supporting this approach.

Batteries: NSW progressing a mandatory scheme having released regulations (commencing October 2026) with procurement of a PRO expected shortly.
Solar Panel Stewardship: Federal government progressing pilot funding ($24.7m), NSW continuing with RIS and this may be part of a future intergovernmental agreement that EMM decided to develop for consideration at the next meeting in August 2026. WMRR also made a submission in March to the parliamentary inquiry into solar panel reuse and recycling calling for a national mandatory product stewardship as part of an EPR scheme.

Ongoing parliamentary inquiries in both NSW and Victoria, with WMRR making submissions to both.
Project developments progressing nationally, with continued work on IBAA and APCr classification and reuse pathways, with IBAA End of Waste Code believed to be close to completion in Queensland to enable public exhibition.

Batteries Regulations released in February 2026 with the procurement of the Product Stewardship Organisation (PSO) progressing.
EnRiskS have been tasked by the EPA with assessing contaminant levels in existing resource recovery framework (RRF) and discussions to be held with industry following receipt of this report.
Continued discussions in relation to emissions and EFW policy between industry and government.
End-of-Waste framework is progressing to exit materials out of the RRF.
Levy review pending update.
NSW has gone to market for a network operator for the CDS.
The EPA has released its new organisational structure as of 24 April 2026.

Waste Strategy release delayed.
Government response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the Container Refund Scheme has been released with draft legislation released for consultation. WMRR gave evidence at the Health Environment and Innovation Committee (HEIC) inquiry reviewing the proposed legislation.
Government has advised that they will be developing a Statewide Waste and Recycling Infrastructure Plan as part of a codesign process with industry.
CoMSEQ applying to ACCC to develop a SPV for 11 council’s residual material. Unclear how this impacts the ARRC project volumes.

Major restructuring underway, with Recycling Victoria to be absorbed into EPA by July 2026, raising governance concerns about how EPA both develops and regulates the WARR industry.
New Environment Minister, Enver Erdogan, appointed on 15 April 2026, ahead of the November state election.

Advancing levy (Stage 3) coming into effect this year (~$45).
State strategy being finalised and will be workshopped at the WMRR Forum in May 2026.
In April, the state government announced the development of a new Waste Innovation and Resource Recovery Fund to support industry-led projects that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency, and generate new products, markets, and jobs.

Strategy review pending – expected to address levy reform, infrastructure investment and a mandatory resource recovery framework.
Concerns with FOGO and contamination are still attracting media attention. The WA government has committed to a $95 p/t rebate to offset the higher-than-expected transport costs for Southwest councils whilst regionally sustainable FOGO processing solutions are developed.

Following the state election on 21 March 2026, the new Environment Minister, Ms Emily Bourke MLC met with WMRR and participated in a batteries roundtable discussion initiated by WMRR focused on progressing the delivery of safe end-of-life collection systems and highlighting the ongoing safety risks to operators. WMRR understands that the EPA are now progressing bin bans, regulation for stewardship and participating in interjurisdictional meetings to move towards harmonisation for batteries regulation.