On 28 February 2024, the Senate referred an inquiry into  waste reduction and recycling 
policies for inquiry and report by 22 November 2024.

The closing date for submissions is 15 April 2024.

On 10 October 2024, the committee was granted an extension of time for the report until 5 March 2025.

With the following terms of references:

The effectiveness of the Albanese Labor Government’s waste reduction and recycling 
policies in delivering a circular economy, with reference to: 

(a)  recycling export regulations imposed through the Recycling and Waste Reduction 
Act 2020, noting the:
 
(i)  ramifications for Australia’s international and domestic commitments and 
obligations under the Act, 

(ii)  benefits and consequences of imposing the requirements on the Australian 
industry, and 

(iii)  interaction and efficacy of the community and economic benefits of the 
legislation; 

(b)  the efficacy and progress on circular economy deliverables; 


(c)  the progress on the implementation of mandated product stewardship schemes; 
and 

(d)  any other related matters.