Australia’s latest national waste and plastics data is now available. It provides updated information on how waste and plastics are:
- generated
- recovered
- recycled
- disposed.
There are 2 reports:
- The National waste and resource recovery report 2026 presents new national data for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 financial years.
- The Australian plastics flows and fates report provides a detailed view of plastics for 2024-25.
These complementary reports are accessible and interactive, with downloadable datasets. Together, they support better consumer, investment and policy decisions. We’re helping drive Australia’s transition to a circular economy by delivering trusted and transparent waste data.
National waste and resource recovery report
In 2024-25, Australia generated 79.0 million tonnes of waste. During this period:
- about 67% was recovered through recycling and energy recovery
- waste generation increased since 2022-23
- the amount generated per person remained broadly unchanged.
This report also marks our trial of annual publishing for national waste and resource recovery reporting. It has previously been published every 2 years.
Australian plastics flows and fates reporting
Australia consumed 4.2 million tonnes of plastic products and packaging in 2024-25. During this period:
- an estimated 3.2 million tonnes reached end of life
- Australia recovered 512 kilotonnes of plastics, lifting the national plastics recovery rate from 14% to 16%.
This report also includes information on:
- reprocessing capacity
- recycled content
- polymer types and application areas.
