Recycling rates from apartments are low internationally, and they are being left aside in waste policy and program initiatives in Australia. Given that Australia has 2.62 million apartment residents, and this number is rising, there is a need to address this policy and research gap. This project will engage some 12,000 households, local government and waste management organisations to co-design and embed recycling and waste reduction across 60 Multi-Unit Developments (MUDs). The results will then be shared nationally in an interactive Portal, hosting creative campaign materials, models for practice change via co-design guides, best-practice case studies, quick reference guides, and an on-call data-driven MUDs waste advisory service. The project partners will promote the Portal and resources nationally within and beyond the project, including through a national MUDs Waste Advisory Group. Expected benefits for Australia include environmental and social benefits resulting from reduction of waste to landfill. This project could also provide economic and equity benefits given that 40% of apartments are occupied by lower-income households, and landfill reduction saves households substantially in reducing landfill levy charges. This project will assist with building a sustainable and resilient nation and contribute to the transition to a resource-efficient net zero future for all Australians, in line with National Waste Policy and National Plastics Plans.
City of Melbourne, City of Glen Eira, City of Maribyrnong, Southern Cross Recycling Group Pty Ltd, APR Kerbside Pty Ltd
Australian Research Council
Regenerative Environments and Climate Action brings together our expertise in understanding cities as integral to environmental justice, the need for urgent climate action, improving ecological processes, and connections with more-than-human worlds.
RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.
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