Resource Recovery Technology
Optimising recycling and resource efficiency.
Optimising recycling and resource efficiency.
Recycling targets should be integrated into a broader circular economy approach dealing with all parts of the resource chain, from raw material extraction to end-of-life. Through the 2019 National Waste Policy and Action Plan, all tiers of Australian government have committed to increasing the amount of recycled content used by government and industry.
It is important to remember that recycling is complex. We need to try to reduce first, then reuse. If neither step is possible, we can resort to recycling.
Recycling often downgrades the quality of materials (although this varies) meaning we get less quality each time we recycle. Extending the life of products reduces the need for new extraction, saving money and carbon emissions. Aluminium is an exception and is almost infinitely recyclable and recycling aluminium requires only around 5% of the energy of smelting. Plastic on the other hand can typically only be recycled 2-3 times before its degrades completely.
With the right processes, it is possible to extract key materials from products that have reached end-of-life. Design is critical to ensure products can easily be dissembled and recycled. Solar panel and batteries are already being recycled in Australia but more needs to be done to scale up these industries along side the growth in deployment and eventual retirement.
The Cleantech Showcase lists examples of projects that are capable of propelling us towards a prosperous, zero emissions Australia.
This list is not exhaustive and many more comparable projects may exist.
Think we should add something? Have some feedback on the content of the showcase? Please let us know.
