GECA Launches Public Consultation for New Australian Recycling Facilities Standard
We’re pleased to announce the release of the draft Australian Recycling Facilities Standard (ARFS) v1.0 for public comment.
Developed in partnership with the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR), this new standard is designed to support best practice across recycling facilities in Australia. It provides a framework for independent, objective and consistent assessment of recycling operations on a site-by-site basis, recognising that performance can vary across facilities - even within the same organisation.
The standard is intended to be applied to recycling facilities of all types and supports the development of a certification program for individual sites, while still allowing organisations to certify multiple facilities if they choose.
We are now inviting feedback from industry stakeholders, government, facility operators, and the broader community as part of a 60-day public comment period.
You can access the draft standard here.
Supporting Australia’s circular economy transition
The ARFS has been developed to align with national priorities and support the delivery of Australia’s waste, recycling and circular economy targets, including those outlined in the National Waste Policy Action Plan. These include reducing waste generation, increasing resource recovery rates, expanding the use of recycled content, and improving data quality across the sector.
Australia’s recycling industry plays a vital role in the economy, contributing nearly $19 billion to economic activity and supporting around 95,000 jobs. It operates across households, businesses, manufacturing and construction, transforming materials that would otherwise be discarded into valuable inputs for new products and infrastructure.
Recycling facilities sit at a critical point in this system. They are not simply diverting waste from landfill - they are transforming materials into products that meet market specifications and can be reintegrated into the economy. This standard recognises that role and supports a shift in how recycled materials are understood: not as waste, but as resources.
Why your feedback matters
Public consultation is a critical step in GECA’s standards development process. While the draft has already undergone a rigorous technical review, we are seeking input from across industry, government, non-government organisations, and the broader community. Your feedback will help ensure the standard is practical, effective, and aligned with industry needs, while maintaining strong environmental and social outcomes.
How to provide feedback
We welcome all comments, suggestions, and submissions. Please send your feedback by:
Email: standards@geca.org.au
Phone: +61 (2) 9699 2850
The public comment period will remain open until 19 May 2026.
We encourage all interested parties to review the draft and contribute to shaping a high-quality standard that supports Australia’s transition to a more circular and resource-efficient future.
For further information about GECA standards and certification, please download our Info Pack or contact the team directly at info@geca.org.au.