WA receives $30 million to grow recycling infrastructure

The Western Australian and the federal governments are providing $30 million in funding to boost the state’s recycling and waste processing capabilities.

The Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund will provide recipients funding to build, expand or upgrade their waste processing infrastructure.

The WA and Commonwealth governments will contribute up to two-thirds of the project’s costs, with applicants required to fund at least one third themselves.

The $30 million on offer is part of the Fund’s $70 million investment into the state’s critical infrastructure gaps in its waste management industry.

There is also about $5 million in industrial-zoned land now open.

As part of this latest tranche of funding, the WA government is also working to phase out the export of certain types of waste plastic, tyres, mixed papers and cardboard.

The funding will be focused on projects that can increase the recovery of materials that can be reused or recycled as well as improve the capacity for sorting, processing and manufacturing of materials affected by the incoming waste export bans.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek says supporting recycling isn’t just about the environment, it’s good for jobs, as “for every one job in landfill there are three jobs in recycling”.

“We know people want to do the right thing and recycle their waste, but the reality is there aren’t the facilities to do it,” Plibersek says.

“This funding will support new recycling infrastructure and help WA communities recycle more. Investment in recycling is great for nature and great for jobs.”

Western Australian Minister for the Environment, Reece Whitby says the state is viewing what was once waste as a potential resource that can create jobs, spark innovation and deliver strong environmental outcomes.

“This is a significant investment to transform WA’s waste and recycling industry, helping address critical infrastructure gaps while supporting the waste export bans,” Whitby says.

“I encourage businesses to apply for this funding to improve Western Australia’s ability to process and recycle waste, and help create a low-waste, sustainable state.”