The Victorian Government has released its circular economy strategy – Recycling Victoria – a 10-year plan that will completely overhaul Victoria’s recycling sector.

The more than $300 million package brings together a suite of landmark reforms, dedicated to shifting Victoria to a circular economy, including a statewide four-bin recycling system, a container deposit scheme and nearly $100 million to support businesses and drive innovation.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio, said it is the largest package of recycling reforms and investment in Victoria’s history.

“It will revolutionise household recycling, drive business innovation and create jobs of the future. Most importantly, it will give Victorians a truly circular economy and recycling system they can rely on,” D’Ambrosio said.

Recycling Victoria will also set ambitious new goals for improved recycling and recovery in Victoria, including reducing  reliance on landfill with a diversion target of 80 per cent.

To measure progress accurately, Victoria will change the way it collects waste and recycling data. It will establish a new and dedicated data system to provide reliable information on the flow of recycled materials.

The Government will also provide $14.6 million to support local projects that boost recycling, reduce littering and take advantage of economic opportunites to reduce waste, particularly in regional communities.

A further $1.8 million will be provided to support charities in handling waste from charitable donations.

A dedicated Waste Crime Prevention Inspectorate will be established within the Environment Protection Authority, which will work closely with WorkSafe Victoria, emergency service agencies, councils and other regulators to improve information sharing and coordination.

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