Update - China bans certain waste products

Published on 22 February 2018

Since 1 January 2018, China has closed its doors to certain waste products from overseas countries. The key categories include some plastics, unsorted scrap paper and textiles. 

The City of Hobart has been working with its recycling contractor, SKM Recycling, to ensure recycling standards are maintained while we  adjust to this new recycling environment. It is likely that only Hobart’s plastic waste will be influenced by this waste ban, as our paper waste is considered high quality and no textiles are recovered through Hobart’s recycling facility. 

Plastic waste represents about 8% of our recycling stream. To reduce reliance on China’s plastic markets, SKM plan to upgrade their plants around the country to process plastic into pellets, which can then be supplied to local manufacturing markets. 

Around half of Hobart’s recycling is already recycled within Tasmania or Australia and SKM Recycling are working hard to increase this.

We will endeavour to keep you updated about any future waste related developments.