- Cook Government celebrates National Recycling Week by highlighting progress in waste reduction and circular economy initiatives
- Since 2017 more than $16 million awarded in WasteSorted grants to schools, businesses, local governments, and community groups
- Cook Government committed to reducing the impact of waste through single use plastics reduction and drink container recycling
The Cook Government is reducing environmental impacts by supporting a low-waste, circular economy to protect Western Australia's natural environment and the lifestyle and economic benefits it provides.
Western Australia's recycling industry employs more than 3,000 people, generating three times more jobs than landfill and contributing over $500 million a year to the national economy.
To mark National Recycling Week, the State Government is celebrating achievements in waste reduction and resource recovery, including:
- WA's Containers for Change scheme;
- WA's Plan for Plastics;
- Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling; and
- WasteSorted grants and investments.
Now in its fifth year, WA's Containers for Change program has collected more than 4.6 billion containers, created over 840 jobs, delivered $16.7 million to local charities, schools and community groups, and lifted the State's beverage container recycling rate from 34 to 65 per cent.
From mid-2026, the scheme will expand to include wine and spirit bottles, boosting recovery and fundraising opportunities for the more than 8,200 charities, schools, and community groups.
WA is a national leader in reducing plastic waste with the next phase of the Plan for Plastics banning single-use plastic barrier bags for loose fruit, vegetables, nuts, and confectionery.
The rollout of the three-bin FOGO system continues, now reaching almost 300,000 households across Perth and Peel.
FOGO reduces landfill and greenhouse gas emissions while producing high-quality compost for local use.
Since 2017, State Labor Governments have delivered more than $16 million in WasteSorted Community Education grants and WasteSorted Schools grants, supporting waste avoidance initiatives in communities and schools.
Government and industry have also invested more than $114 million in tyre recycling centres at East Rockingham, Port Hedland, and Neerabup - creating hundreds of jobs and turning end-of-life tyres into valuable products like rubber, oil, and steel.
The Cook Government is laying the foundation for long-term change by building a proudly Made in WA circular economy.
As stated by the Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn:
"National Recycling Week is a chance to reflect on how far we've come and where we're headed.
"From community-led initiatives to major infrastructure, Western Australia is leading the way in building a low-waste future.
"Whether it is sorting waste at home, returning containers, or choosing reusable options, every action counts.
"Containers for Change has transformed how we think about waste, turning everyday recycling into a powerful tool for environmental action.
"Together, we're creating a cleaner, more sustainable WA - one that's innovative, resilient and proudly Made in WA."
