- Re.Cycle Operations Pty Ltd (Re.Group) has been awarded $8 million to upgrade infrastructure at the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility
- New equipment will boost WA's capacity to process waste paper and cardboard to meet national waste export requirements already in place and the 5 per cent total contamination by weight requirement that will commence 1 July 2026
- Advanced infrastructure will enhance waste processing systems and improve product quality
Western Australia's paper and cardboard recycling capacity is about to expand thanks to a $7.92 million funding injection from the Albanese and Cook Governments.
Upgrades to existing paper and cardboard processing infrastructure at the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility are moving forward, supported by the WA Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF). This project will contribute to a more competitive and sustainable domestic market for paper and cardboard collection, reprocessing and sale.
New operator Re.Group will install equipment that reduces contamination in paper and cardboard recycling streams to produce materials that meet Australian standards and comply with the waste export regulations.
Advances include two ballistic separators to ensure consistent fibre flow to six new optical sorters which sense and remove contaminants from the processing stream. Other improvements include building modifications, service upgrades and new steel structures such as chutes and platforms to integrate with existing systems.
The installation and commissioning phase will employ 25 people to handle quality control, test new equipment, train staff and ensure a smooth transition.
The funding is delivered through the $70 million RMF, a shared Western Australian and Australian Government initiative.
As stated by Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt:
"Australia's transition to a circular economy is well underway, and the upgrade of the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility will boost Perth's paper and cardboard recycling capacity.
"These funds will deliver new equipment to improve the value of materials produced through recycling.
"Through the Recycling Modernisation Fund, the Albanese Government is contributing $29.1 million to 15 Western Australian recycling projects. These projects don't just protect the environment; they also build local jobs and industries of the future."
Comments attributed to WA the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"The quality and quantity of resource recovery in Western Australia is growing through support for vital recycling projects.
"Infrastructure to improve fibre quality is critical to the ongoing viability of the Canning Vale plant, which has strategic importance as one of three materials recovery facilities in the metro area, safeguarding the State's waste processing capacity.
"We are committed to reducing landfill and achieving the highest standards of resource recovery through environmentally sustainable waste management."
