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Articles on Recycling crisis

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Plenty of ink has been spilled over Australia’s recycling and waste problem, but real action remains frustratingly out of reach. AAP Image/James Ross

Another COAG meeting, another limp swing at the waste problem

An inconclusive COAG meeting comes after years of inquiries, announcements, initiatives, investigations and reviews. Australia is no closer to actually tackling our waste problems.
A major Victorian company has had to stop accepting recycling. TRACEY NEARMY/AAP

The ‘recycling crisis’ may be here to stay

China’s refusal to take Australia’s rubbish has started to bite, and it’s clear we’re not ready to deal with the consequences.
Migrant workers break apart blocks of pressed plastic bottles at a recycling plant in Thailand. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL

Here’s what happens to our plastic recycling when it goes offshore

Since China stopped accepting Australia’s recyclable plastic, the majority of exported plastic waste is now going to developing nations in South East Asia.
Sydney’s experience suggests that having separate bins for paper and bottles leads to better recycling. AAP Image/Tracy Nearmy

A crisis too big to waste: China’s recycling ban calls for a long-term rethink in Australia

Both short- and long-term solutions are needed to solve Australia’s recycling crisis. State and federal ministers are pursuing some promising avenues, but they need to cast the net much wider.

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