Invest in glass
Glass recycling in Victoria mainly occurs through household consumption via kerbside mixed recycling collection.
Glass is a valuable resource and does not degrade through the recycling process, meaning it can be recycled an infinite number of times, creating an endless, sustainable loop of glass products.
Recycling facilities in Victoria (known as beneficiation plants) sort and clean the mixed glass product. There are also plants that process glass fines into lower grade construction material and asphalt for road construction, which also absorbs some of the glass recycling demand.
From January 2021 all exports of glass packaging have required a license, with unprocessed (un beneficiated) glass not eligible for export.
The increase in supply
Victoria has introduced 2 new systems that will increase the amount of quality glass collected for recycling:
- New 4-bin waste and recycling system with a purple lid bin specifically for glass.
- Container deposit scheme (CDS) where consumers get a rebate for returning glass to designated drop off points for recycling will commence from November 2023.
For more information:
- Victoria's new 4-bin waste and recycling system
- Victoria's new container deposit scheme
- Waste export regulations for glass.
It is anticipated that Australia will reach a 50% glass recycled content target by 2025.
Glass manufacturing capability is mature in Victoria and able to take increased amounts of clean and colour separated glass cullet. Two of the major glass container manufacturers in Australia, are headquartered in Victoria.
Opportunities
- An increase in clean stream of glass from the new container deposit scheme and kerbside 4-bin system will lead to a growth in glass beneficiation capacity requirements.
- Increase in demand for road base and construction materials will lead to increased demand in crushing and blending capacity for the construction industry, particularly in regional areas.
Stay up to the date
For the latest market developments, commodity prices, and opportunities, read Recycling Victoria’s market insights report for recovered glass packaging.
To stay up to date with the latest grants and funding opportunities, register for our grants and funding alert.
Graphs and data
For more information on waste data visit Recycling Victoria’s Data Hub.
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