Around Australia in early 2026 - Circular Economy and Waste Updates

A few things are happening around the country, either at a national, or State and Territory level (as is often the case), here's a round up of latest happenings ...

Packaging  

National Packaging Reform – where are we now?

The Federal Government has previously committed to reform and recently consulted on options with significant changes to packaging regulations anticipated in 2026.

For the moment, the message is ‘watch this space – but from everything we know industry can expect more emphasis and obligation on:

• Sustainable packaging design and waste reduction 
• Evidence to support claims 
• Applying the Australasian Recycling Label (ARL) with integrity 
• Mandatory obligations – including reporting and participation in extended producer responsibility programs 

And the continuing expansion of Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA)’s – the industry led, not-for-profit organisation creating a national recycling system for soft plastics. 

Choosing to reuse features in NSW Government Plastics Plan 2.0

The NSW Government published the Plastics Plan 2.0 which sets out our next steps to reduce plastic waste.

In amongst more bans on single use plastics, it's refreshing to see reuse measures feature - including:

• Trials for reusable cup systems in NSW Government premises in 2026
• Establishing a reuse-only precinct in the Sydney CBD in late 2027
• Introduce new requirements for takeaway food service businesses to accept reusable cups provided by customers in 2028
• That large businesses will need to offer a reusable cup option as part of a reuse system in 2029

What’s happening with soft plastics?

The question I’m asked constantly!

We had some big news recently – many years in the making.

Soft Plastics Stewardship Australia (SPSA) was granted authorisation by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to operate a voluntary collection and recycling soft plastic packaging scheme, for eight years.

SPSA is an industry led, not-for-profit organisation and was formed from the work led by the Australian Food and Grocery Council and a consortium its members, predating the pause of the REDcycle scheme.

Don’t expect a national recycling system overnight - this isn’t a silver bullet – a whole new industry is being built in Australia to collect and reprocess soft plastics.

But it’s a positive step forward, and we’ll continue to see the expansion in creating a national recycling system for soft plastics.

South Australia farewells the country’s most offensive fish

The South Australian Government has banned many single use plastic items – as have other States and Territories, to align with a national target to phase out unnecessary single use plastic packaging.

But the State has gone the next mile (again … show offs!) and extended their prohibition list in September 2025 to ban plastic soy sauce fish containers. They've taken the time to articulate this includes other shaped containers too – so you can’t manufacture a plastic soy sauce monkey shape and call the problem solved.

Good job on the fine print SA! You thought that through.

Food Waste 

NSW Food Organics Garden Organics (FOGO) Mandates commence soon

If you’d not heard, new Legislation was passed in NSW, to reduce food and organic waste going to landfill. These mandates will be rolled out in stages for households, businesses and institutions, commencing from 1 July 2026 and onwards until 2030.

From 1 July 2026:

Businesses and institutions need to have source-separated food organics collection services in place, affecting premises including:

• Hotels, restaurants, cafes, pubs, bars and clubs
• Aged care facilities, hospitals and correctional centres
• Shopping centre food courts
• Childcare facilities
• Education facilities – Universities and TAFEs

 A extensive list can be found here

South Australia releases their 2025 - 2030 Waste Strategy

The State best known for doing things first (10 cents for your beverage container anyone?) has released its plan for the next 5 years: Accelerating SA’s transition to a circular economy.

There’s some familiar targets, aligning with the National Circular Economy Framework.

It’s good to see focus areas of waste avoidance, food waste reduction and circular economy knowledge and skills. In decades past, many jurisdictional strategies have heavily focused on recycling and waste management.

But what’s really caught our eye is buried on page 40 under Focus Area 2 – Reduce food waste

Action 2.1:

Consider legislative reform for unsold edible food to be donated to food rescue charities for redistribution, accompanied by the necessary supporting systems, agreements, infrastructure, and capacity.

Key partners identified include: SA Health, Food rescue charities and Supermarkets, and timing indicated is 2028 – 2030.

Get excited people! ….

Landfill Capacity Running Short in Australia 

Did you know landfills fill up and can no longer be used? If you fill the land – it will indeed, become full! According to our latest National Waste Report - about 22 Mt of waste is deposited in landfill in Australia annually.

Capacity for many parts of Australia is projected to run out in the next decade.

With greater Sydney’s to diminish by 2030, the Gold Coast’s in less than 10 years and Victoria to run out by the mid 2030’s – we’re going to see even greater pressure and interest on different approaches to the status quo.

We’re also seeing the cost of landfill and recycling services increase.

Adding to the case to reduce waste in the first place.

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That's a wrap for now - we're watching packaging reform like a Hawk and getting the word out there on the NSW FOGO mandates. 

Stay tuned!

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I'm Bel Chellingworth, a Circular Economy Consultant, Educator and Speaker. 

For over 20 years, I've helped business, government, and community reduce waste via product stewardship, procurement, systems design and education - with an unshakeable dedication to sound governance, data and a sense of fun. 

I'd love to help you too! Get in touch if you need circular assistance.