In March 2020, the Australian, state and territory governments, and the Australian Local Government Association, as members of the former Council of Australian Governments (COAG) agreed that the export of waste glass, plastic (including processed engineered fuel), tyres and paper be regulated by the Australian government.
We regulate the export of certain waste from Australia under the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020.
Each type of waste will have its own rules. When the rules start, you will only be able to export your waste if it meets the requirements of the relevant rules. You will also need to:
- hold a waste export licence for the waste type
- declare each consignment to us as well as the Australian Border Force.
Regulated waste
Glass
We have regulated the export of waste glass since 1 January 2021.
Plastic
We have regulated the export of waste plastic since 1 July 2021.
Tyres
We will regulate waste tyres on 1 December 2021. From this date, you will only be able to export:
- tyres for re-treading to an appropriate re-treading facility
- tyres that have been processed into crumbs, buffings or granules
- tyres that have been processed into shreds for use as tyre-derived fuel
- tyres that will be re-used overseas.
Paper and cardboard
We will start to regulate waste paper and cardboard on 1 July 2024. From this date, you will only be able to export paper and cardboard that is processed or sorted to specific requirements.
Hazardous waste
Separate requirements apply for the export of hazardous waste.
Check the export requirements for hazardous waste.
How the regulations affect Australia
By ensuring we only export properly processed waste glass, plastic, tyres and paper, we are preventing these materials from being dumped overseas, reducing harm to the environment and human health.
We are also building our capacity to turn these waste materials into high-value, recycled commodities in Australia. This will:
- create jobs
- build a more sophisticated industry
- have positive outcomes for the environment and community wellbeing in Australia and overseas.
We are investing $190 million in the Recycling Modernisation Fund. These funds will help transform Australia’s waste and recycling capacity.
Find out how we are partnering with state and territory government to deliver these funds.