Fast Facts

  • 2.76 million tonnes of materials recycled in 2010-11, an increase of 35 per cent since 2003-04 and an increase of 8% on the previous year. 1
  • An annual per capita recycling rate of more than 1,600 kilograms per person per year. 2
  • Waste to landfill reduced by 19 per cent since 2002-03. 3
  • South Australia's recycling efforts in 2009-10 have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by about 974,200 tonnes. 4
  • Progressive waste-reduction strategies include Australia's first container deposit legislation, which has achieved recycling rates of 83 per cent, and a ban on checkout-style plastic bags.

South Australian Government targets - material recovery and recycling5

Waste stream 2009
(estimated Adelaide metro only)		 By 2012 By 2015 Overarching target
Municipal Solid Waste 55% diversion 60% diversion 75% diversion

Reduce waste to landfill by 25% by 2014

(South Australia's Strategic Plan target)
Commercial and Industrial (C&I) 60% diversion 65% diversion 75% diversion
Construction and Demolition (C&D) 70% diversion 75% diversion 90% diversion

References

  1. Zero Waste SA Annual Report 2010-11
  2. Recycling Activity in South Australia 2009-10, Zero Waste SA, 2011
  3. Zero Waste SA Annual Report 2009-10
  4. Recycling Activity in South Australia 2008-09, Hyder Consulting Pty Ltd, May 2010
  5. Draft South Australia's Waste Strategy 2010-2015