Landfill Waste Declines to 3.7 Million Tonnes, Challenges Remain

Waste sent to landfills has decreased significantly, dropping from 4.7 million tonnes in 2023 to 3.7 million tonnes in 2024, according to the Waste & Recycling Industry Association (WRIA). Despite this positive headline, experts caution that the underlying trends in waste generation and recycling behavior are concerning.

Barney Irvine, a spokesperson for WRIA, emphasized that the reduction in landfill waste does not reflect an improvement in overall waste management practices. “While the figures seem positive at face value, there hasn’t been a meaningful change in behavior regarding waste minimization and recycling,” he stated. Households are actually producing more waste than the previous year, with an increase of 53,000 tonnes, which equates to approximately 7% more waste.

The report highlights that the consumption of food and drink products, along with their packaging, continues to dominate household waste. Even amidst economic challenges, households are not reducing their consumption but are instead gravitating towards more affordable alternatives. Irvine noted a shift from beverages sold in glass bottles to those packaged in cheaper materials such as cans and plastic.

Shifts in Recycling Practices

The WRIA report also reveals troubling trends in recycling. Glass recycling volumes have decreased by 14%, while recycling of plastics and tin/aluminium has risen by 13% and 46%, respectively. This shift indicates a change in consumer habits, yet it raises questions about the sustainability of these practices in the long term.

The substantial decrease in overall waste has primarily been driven by the commercial and industrial sectors, which experienced a 23% decline in waste collected from their sites. Irvine attributes this drop to a slowdown in the economy, particularly in the building and construction sectors, which are traditionally significant sources of waste.

Despite the current reductions, Irvine warns that waste volumes are likely to increase again as economic conditions improve. “Now is not the time for anyone to assume that the job is done,” he stated. He advocates for the government to capitalize on the current decline in waste generation to implement essential policy changes that would strengthen the waste and recycling system for the future.

The WRIA’s findings underscore the need for households and policymakers alike to remain vigilant in efforts to promote responsible waste management practices. As economic conditions fluctuate, it is crucial to lay the groundwork for a more resilient and dynamic waste system that can effectively adapt to changing circumstances.