Morrison Government introduces new fund to grow the domestic recycling industry
The Morrison Government is taking practical steps toward a cleaner environment with a new $20 million commitment for innovative projects to grow our domestic recycling industry.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the funding was part of his Government’s commitment to work with the states to establish a timetable to ban the export of waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres.
“We are committed to protecting our nation’s environment while also building our capacity to turn recycling into products that people want and need,” the Prime Minister said.
“By engaging industry and researchers we can make sure we’re seeing these changes introduced in a way that cuts costs for businesses and ultimately even creates jobs.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the funding would create Australian jobs, while reducing global plastic pollution.
“This funding will strengthen Australia’s recycling industry and help us achieve higher recycling rates,” Minister Andrews said.
“Boosting our onshore plastic recycling industry has the potential to create over three times as many jobs as exporting our plastic waste, ensuring a more sustainable and prosperous future.”
Recent figures suggest only 12 per cent of the 103kg of plastic waste generated per person in Australia each year is recycled, mostly overseas.
