GECA and ACOR launch national standard for recycling

GECA, in partnership with the Australian Council of Recycling (ACOR), has launched the Australian Recycling Facilities (ARF) standard, establishing a national benchmark for recycling facilities.

The ARF standard provides an independent framework for assessing recycling facilities on a site-by-site basis, recognising that performance can vary across operations and locations. Developed through consultation with industry and stakeholders, the standard supports best practice in environmental management, operational performance, transparency, health and safety, and social responsibility.

As recent research found that 41% of Australians do not trust that their recycling will be properly recycled, this has highlighted the growing demand for greater transparency and accountability across the recycling value chain.

GECA CEO Josh Begbie said the new standard will help strengthen confidence in the country’s recycling system by providing independent verification of facility performance.

“Australians increasingly expect confidence that materials collected for recycling are being properly recovered and returned to productive use,” Begbie said. “The ARF standard provides an independent and credible way to recognise facilities that are delivering genuine recycling outcomes and operating to high environmental, operational and social standards.

“Facilities that achieve certification will be able to independently demonstrate to customers, governments and supply chain partners that they are genuinely contributing to Australia’s circular economy.

“By establishing a consistent benchmark for facility performance, we can support better procurement decisions, encourage investment in resource recovery infrastructure and help strengthen Australia’s recycling system.”

ACOR CEO Suzanne Toumbourou said the standard addresses a longstanding challenge for the recycling industry.

“The Australian Recycling Facilities standard is an important step in lifting confidence across the recycling system. For too long, it has been difficult to distinguish legitimate recycling facilities from other types of operations,” Toumbourou said.

“By setting a nationally recognised benchmark, the ARF standard helps create a more transparent and accountable recycling sector. That matters not just to operators but also to customers, governments and other end users who are increasingly seeking assurance that recovered materials are being properly recycled.

“Importantly, this is also about strengthening demand for Australian recyclate. When buyers have confidence in how materials are processed, it supports better procurement decisions and helps unlock investment across the circular economy.

“Over time, standards like this can play a practical role in improving outcomes on the ground and supporting a more resilient, high-performing recycling system.”

The ARF standard is designed for recycling facilities that sort and intentionally transform recovered resources into recycled materials and products that meet market specifications and have commercial value.

Facilities certified under the standard undergo independent third-party assessment against criteria covering environmental management, operational performance, transparency, health and safety, and social responsibility.

Applications for certification are now open. To download the standard or enquire about certification, visit the GECA website.

Image caption: Aerial view of metal recycling plant. Credit: iStock.com/Thurtell