​​​​The Australian Government is reviewing the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020  - the main Commonwealth legislation that supports action on the circular economy, resource recovery and waste management.

Have your say on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water's review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020, via a short survey. Submissions close 27 February 2025.

Terms of reference

The terms of reference for the first review of the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act are:

1. In accordance with section 185 the review will examine:

• ​the operation of the Act, and

• the extent to which the objects of the Act have been achieved.
  

• limitations of current approaches to product stewardship, including concerns around the viability, integrity and impact of stewardship schemes supported by the Act

• whether waste export regulations are fit for purpose, including what process, decision making, and evidence would be needed to regulate the export of waste representing existing and emerging harms

• improving the mechanisms by which the Australian Government can take action to respond to the needs of developing circular economy markets​

• how the Act operates with relevant international and domestic obligations

• any matters relevant and worthy of consideration.
  

​Information on the ​​review​

The review will be informed by stakeholder feedback which has been provided through consultation and engagement in accordance with the terms of reference. This includes formal submissions into a range of inquiries on waste and resource recovery, feedback and reports provided to the department, and engagement with the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group.