Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020

2. Product stewardship (making producers responsible)

The law creates three tiers of responsibility for what happens to products throughout their life — from manufacture to disposal:

• 🟢 Voluntary: Businesses can voluntarily join approved schemes and use a government-endorsed logo to show they're doing the right thing
• 🟡 Co-regulatory: Some businesses (called "liable parties") must join approved industry schemes — the government sets the targets, industry figures out how to meet them
• 🔴 Mandatory: The government can make rules requiring specific actions (or banning specific actions) in relation to particular products

The aim is to push manufacturers and importers to design products that last longer, can be repaired, and are easier to recycle.

3. Enforcement

Authorised officers can inspect operations, issue improvement notices, and investigate non-compliance. The law includes:

• Criminal penalties (imprisonment)
• Civil penalties (fines — one penalty unit is currently $330, so 600 penalty units = ~$198,000)
• Infringement notices (like on-the-spot fines)
• Enforceable undertakings (binding promises to fix problems)
• Injunctions (court orders to stop behaviour)

4. Circular economy goals

The big picture goal is a circular economy — where products and materials are kept in use as long as possible, waste is minimised, and environmental harm is reduced. This includes meeting Australia's international environmental obligations.

What does this mean for you?

• If you export waste: You may need a licence and must comply with strict documentation requirements
• If you make or import products: You may be required to join industry recycling schemes or meet mandatory product design standards
• If you're a consumer: Products should gradually become more durable and easier to recycle as manufacturers are held accountable
• If you're a business generally: Keep an eye on the rules (ministerial regulations) made under this Act — they're where the specific obligations will be spelled out