The ACT Government has marked the start of construction on Canberra’s new Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) at Hume, a major step towards restoring and strengthening the Territory’s recycling and resource recovery infrastructure.
The state-of-the-art facility will recover valuable paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium collected from households and businesses across Canberra, preparing these materials for reprocessing and manufacture into new products.
Capable of receiving up to 115,000 tonnes of mixed recyclables each year, it will provide the capacity needed to support the Territory’s growing population and increasing volumes of recyclable materials.
The project will restore local mixed recycling recovery capability, replacing capacity lost when the previous MRF was destroyed by fire in 2022. Since then, around 50,000 tonnes of the ACT’s recyclables have been transported interstate for processing each year.
The new facility will incorporate advanced sorting technology, improved data systems, and state-of-the-art fire detection, mitigation and suppression systems, making it one of Australia’s most advanced recycling facilities.
A dedicated education space will also be included within the facility, providing opportunities for schools, community groups and residents to learn more about recycling and resource recovery.
As part of the project, upgrades to Recycling Road will improve access, safety and traffic movements within the Hume Resource Recovery Estate during construction and into the future.
The project is being delivered by Veolia and is expected to take approximately 18 months to complete, with the facility expected to be operational in 2028.
The project is jointly funded by the ACT and Australian governments, including support through the Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Quotes attributable to Tara Cheyne, Minister for City and Government Services:
“Canberrans care deeply about recycling and reducing waste, and this project will give our city the modern infrastructure needed to turn those efforts into better resource recovery outcomes.
“The new Materials Recovery Facility will restore local recycling infrastructure while providing the capacity to support Canberra’s growing population and increasing volumes of recyclable materials.
“With advanced technology, enhanced fire safety systems and a dedicated education space, this facility will help build a stronger and more sustainable recycling system for decades to come.”
Quotes attributable to Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water:
“The Australian Government is partnering with states and territories to reduce waste going to landfill and double our circularity by 2035.
“This investment will provide real benefits for the Canberra community, helping to recover household materials like paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium and give them a new life.
“Through the Recycling Modernisation Fund, we’re boosting Australia’s recycling capability by up to $1 billion, supporting local jobs and protecting our environment for generations to come.”
Quotes attributable to Alicia Payne MP, Member for Canberra:
“This is an important investment in Canberra’s sustainable future and will finally mean we are again looking after the recycling we produce.
“The dedicated education space will provide schools, community groups and residents the opportunity to see recycling and resource recovery in action.
“I’m looking forward to coming back in 18 months to see the completed facility!”
