JOBS, MARKETS AND CLIMATE: WMRR CALLS FOR STRONGER REGULATIONS IN SA 

10 March 2026

With the upcoming state election, the Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is calling on the next South Australian (SA) Government to strengthen policies that accelerate the state’s transition to a circular economy, warning that stronger action is needed to support local jobs, reduce emissions and create resilient local markets.

WMRR CEO Gayle Sloan said circular economy policy must be recognised as a core economic and climate priority for the next government.

 “SA had long been a national leader in waste and resource recovery, but the next stage of reform must focus on how materials are designed, used and recovered across the entire economy,” Ms Sloan said.

“The waste and resource recovery (WARR) sector is critical to protecting public health and the environment, creating local jobs and helping SA to reach its net zero targets.”
“Circular economy policy is critical to reducing emissions, strengthening supply chains and creating local jobs.”

WMRR said the incoming government must prioritise four (4) key actions:

• Stronger producer responsibility laws to ensure products are designed for durability, repair and recycling while eliminating hazardous materials such as PFAS. Urgently starting with batteries given the exponential increase in fires we are witnessing in SA WARR trucks and infrastructure.
• Expanding organics recovery, including mandatory source-separated commercial food organics collections and stronger product standards for compost and soil products.
• Growing markets for recycled materials by mandating recycled content in government procurement and infrastructure projects.
• Improving transparency and reporting on emissions reductions achieved through recycling and resource recovery.

Globally, around 70% of greenhouse gas emissions are linked to how materials are produced, used and disposed of, highlighting the importance of circular economy policies in meeting climate targets.

“With the right policy settings, SA can build a circular economy that uses less, keeps valuable materials in use for longer, cuts emissions and supports local jobs and investment,” Ms Sloan said.

“The opportunity is there — but decisive action from the next government is needed to deliver, and allow SA to return to a leadership position at the forefront of circular economy innovation in Australia.”

WMRR’s election priorities for a circular, net zero South Australia can be found here.