In 2023–24, South Australia generated 4.26 million tonnes of waste – about 2,264 kilograms per person.
To meet the state’s 2030 target to reduce this by 10%, waste generation must fall to 2,038 kilograms per person.
Why it matters
The extraction and processing of materials account for over 55% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing consumption and waste is essential to lowering emissions and mitigating the effects of climate change.
Objectives for 2030
- Design products for circularity, longevity, and repairability
- Keep materials in use for as long as possible and at their highest value
- Reduce wasteful consumption and promote circular lifestyles
- Build business capability to reduce wasteful practices
- Improve material productivity across industries
How we’ll get there
Circular design
Up to 80% of a product’s environmental impact is determined at the design stage. By designing products to be durable, repairable, reusable and recyclable, we can keep materials in circulation and reduce pollution.
Key actions
- Advocate for and support the national adoption of design standards to increase life cycle potential of products, packaging and components, maximise the value of materials throughout the life of a product, and avoid waste – for example, design standards that ensure products are easier to repair, upgrade, disassemble and recycle, are durable, and use non-toxic ingredients or materials.
- In the absence of a national approach, explore legislative options for nationally aligned (where possible) state-based action, to ensure that goods manufactured in or entering South Australia meet certain design standards.
- Advocate for the design and manufacturing of products and components that increase durability, repairability and recyclability and replace virgin materials with recycled materials.
Shifting patterns of consumption
Consumers have a major role to play in the transition to a circular economy. Nearly half of Australian shoppers (46%) say sustainability is important in purchase decisions – with durability and repairability topping their priorities.
Many circular options exist but can be difficult to find or access. Increasing visibility and convenience can make sustainable choices the easy choice.
Key actions
- Collect data and conduct market research to help inform behavioural change activities that promote waste avoidance. Raise awareness with consumers to influence consumption habits and promote waste avoidance Support initiatives involving collaborative consumption and the development of community circular hubs, that is, physical locations that provide citizens with convenient access to a suite of circular goods and services.
- Encourage community support of local circular initiatives such as repair cafes, libraries and second-hand marketplaces.
Reuse and repair
Reuse and repair don’t just prevent waste – they create jobs and support communities.
South Australia’s reuse sector includes:
- op shops and vintage stores
- online resale and sharing platforms
- community initiatives like buy-nothing groups.
However, the repair industry is shrinking, with an ageing workforce and limited training opportunities. Revitalising this sector will help drive both environmental and social outcomes.
Key actions
- Advocate for and support the national adoption of design standards that ensure that products are durable and easier to repair and upgrade.
- In the absence of a national approach, explore legislative options for nationally aligned (where possible) state-based action, to ensure that goods manufactured in or entering South Australia meet design standards that enable product repair and reuse.
- Advocate for measures that overcome barriers to the reuse and repair economy, such as addressing the interplay between product warranties and product repair, and taxation policy measures Explore options to support the growth of the South Australian reuse and repair sector, for example through:
- establishing community-based and commercial reuse and repair centres or hubs
- establishing a South Australian repair network or alliance
- developing a directory and map of repair and reuse services.
- Develop and deliver community education and awareness programs to encourage reuse and repair to support the growth of the South Australian reuse and repair sector.
- Support the development of repair skills, identified through a workforce skills gap analysis, at all levels of education.
Using resources and materials more efficiently
The commercial and industrial sector generated 39% of South Australia’s waste in 2023–24. Businesses can reduce waste by identifying opportunities to avoid waste and increasing the material efficiency of how goods are produced. However many businesses lack visibility over the amount and type of waste they generate, limiting their ability to improve sustainability.
Key actions
- Deliver targeted programs to build businesses’ capability to:
- identify and act on opportunities to avoid waste
- increase materials efficiency
- adopt innovative technologies and practices to measure and report on waste management activities.
- Consider reform for South Australian businesses to develop business waste reduction plans, supported by the development of ‘better practice’ guides to assist with implementation.
- Require reasonable compliance (as determined by the South Australian Tourism Commission) with the Waste and Recycling at Events and Venues Guidelines for state government managed or sponsored major events.
- All state government offices and administration buildings to implement the Government office waste: Strategy and better-practice guide.
- Develop and encourage the adoption of a standardised template for waste reporting by waste collection contractors to their customers, to simplify data collection and enable customers to make informed decisions.
- Support the adoption of bin weighing systems for C&I collected waste and recyclables, to enable waste collection contractors to provide this data to customers.
