WASTE SECTOR CALLS FOR URGENT FUEL PRIORITY AMID GLOBAL SUPPLY PRESSURES
18 March 2026
The Waste Management and Resource Recovery Association of Australia (WMRR) is
calling on Federal, State and Territory governments to urgently prioritise
fuel access for the waste and resource recovery sector, as global supply
pressures begin to impact diesel availability across Australia.
WMRR CEO Ms Gayle Sloan said the ongoing conflict involving Iran is already
disrupting global fuel supply chains, with Australian operators experiencing
increasing difficulty accessing diesel alongside significant price
volatility.
“These pressures are not theoretical—they are being felt now and are expected
to intensify in the coming weeks and months,” Ms Sloan said.
“Often operating out of sight, our sector can be overlooked in times of
crisis. However, it is fundamental to the effective and efficient operation
of Australian businesses and the broader community.”
WMRR warned that disruptions to fuel supply would have immediate and serious
consequences.
"The waste and resource recovery sector provides a critical service that
underpins public health, environmental protection, and the functioning of our
communities and economy across all of Australia, including regional and
remote areas.”
“The reliable collection, transport and processing of waste cannot be paused
or deferred. Any disruption risks public health, environmental harm, and
significant community impacts,” Ms Sloan said.
Australia’s waste and resource recovery industries are already experiencing:
- Limited
access to diesel, constraining operational capacity for some operators;
- Rapid
and sustained fuel price increases placing significant strain on
existing contracts; and
- Heightened
risks to service delivery, particularly in regional and remote areas.
WMRR
is urging governments to formally recognise waste and resource recovery as a
priority sector for fuel access during this period of supply uncertainty.
Specifically, WMRR is calling for:
- Immediate
recognition of the sector as an essential service, with priority access
to diesel and other critical fuels;
- Inclusion
in fuel allocation and emergency management frameworks; and
- Ongoing
engagement with industry to monitor impacts and coordinate responses.
“Ensuring
continuity of waste and recycling services is not optional—it is fundamental
to safeguarding public health and maintaining community wellbeing,” Ms Sloan
said.
“Proactive action now will help prevent more serious disruptions in the near
future.”
WMRR stands ready to work collaboratively with governments to support
practical and timely solutions.