THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND WATER
THE HON STEVE DIMOPOULOS MP
VICTORIAN MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
MEDIA RELEASE
Friday, 15 December 2023
NEW FACILITY TO PROCESS MORE THAN 1 BILLION PLASTIC BOTTLES EVERY YEAR
A new plastic recycling facility unveiled today by the Federal and Victorian Labor Governments will process more than one billion plastic bottles every year, or over 150 bottles for every Victorian.
Circular Plastics Australia’s Project Symphony in Altona North will process plastic bottles, including soft drink bottles, collected from household recycling bins and container deposit sites into new food and beverage packaging.
The project was supported by a $6 million joint investment by the Australian and Victorian Governments, with Circular Plastics Australia contributing over $45 million.
This investment has supported 60 construction jobs and will support more than 45 ongoing jobs.
The Albanese Labor Government is focused on building a circular economy so that we produce less in the first place, and better reuse, recycle or remanufacture what we do make.
Nationally, the Federal Government has already increased recycling capacity in Australia by more than a million tonnes every year while creating over 3,000 jobs, including 414 in Victoria.
When combined with co-investment from all states and industry, the Recycling Modernisation Fund will give a $1 billion boost to Australian recycling.
To learn more about the Australian Government’s Recycling Modernisation Fund visit Investing in Australia’s waste and recycling infrastructure – DCCEEW.
Further information about the latest funded Victorian projects can be found at https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-grants/circular-economy-infrastructure-fund-materials-funded-projects.
Quotes attributable to the federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek:
“I know Victorians want to do their part to reduce their waste, recycle products like plastic bottles, and lighten their impact on the planet.
“This new plastic recycling facility, which will recycle a billion plastic bottles a year, is a great example of the kind of infrastructure we need to boost recycling in Australia while creating jobs.
“The Albanese Government is committed to working with states and territories to better manage waste and increase recycling capacity, and better protect our environment for our kids and grandkids.”
Quotes attributable to the Victorian Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos MP:
“Victorians want to reduce their pollution and recycle more and facilities like this are helping them do just that – while also creating jobs.
“This facility will be the biggest of its kind in Victoria and help us recycle bottles from our popular container deposit scheme that’s already seen more than 50 million bottles in it’s first month.
“These projects will mean more materials are being reused, repurposed and recycled, which brings us closer to reaching our target of diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.”
ENDS
