At this month’s Seamless State Government roundtable, we heard about a range of initiatives which are helping to divert clothing from landfill, including the Tasmanian Reuse Impact Study. The NSW and SA Governments are also inviting consultation on new strategies, and we encourage you to share your feedback.
Chaired by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the Seamless State Government roundtable fosters much needed connection and co-ordination on policy, programs and investment to divert clothing from landfill. It’s attended by all states and territories including representatives from the Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI), Queensland; the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Victoria; the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, WA; Green Industries SA; the ACT Government and the Tasmanian and Northern Territory Governments.
Outcomes from Tasmania’s Reuse Impact Study
The Tasmanian Reuse Impact Study 2023 – 2024 was conducted by Charitable Reuse Australia in partnership with the Tasmanian Waste and Resource Recovery Board (WRRB). It showcases the benefits delivered by the reuse sector and the study highlights are shared below. In 2023 – 2024 the sector:
- Reused an estimated 13.9 million items or 11,000 tonnes of items – that’s equivalent to 24 items per Tasmanian.
- Generated paid employment for approximately 414 full-time equivalents (FTEs), including 192 FTEs for those facing barriers to employment.
- Saved the Tasmanian community an estimated $147 million through selling and providing second hand goods, compared to buying new items – that’s equivalent to $600 per household.
- Raised an estimated $8.3 million in funds that was reinvested into social and community programs.
- Diverted an estimated 11,000 tonnes of products from landfill to reuse.
Other initiatives from around Australia
Here’s a snapshot of some other initiatives which are taking place across Australia:
- NSW EPA continues to work on the development of a reuse and repair strategy.
- A City of Darwin op shop will start collecting unwearable textiles in the coming months under the new management of Resource Recovery Australia.
- Green Industries SA has shared the recording of the ESG in Government Uniform Procurement Masterclass to help procurement teams understand what ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) means in the context of uniform procurement.
- Green Industries SA also hosted an event called ‘Set your clothes free’ on 24 May in partnership with Charitable Reuse Australia, Shred-X and eight local councils for the community to donate high quality clothing and footwear for reuse, as well as bed linen of any quality for recycling.
Have your say on two new strategies
The NSW Government is developing the state’s first Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan to tackle critical infrastructure shortfalls and build a more resilient circular economy. The draft Plan aims to guide urgent decisions and prevent a looming waste crisis in Greater Sydney and feedback is now being sought. Public consultation is open until 5:00pm AEST on 25 June 2025 and you can provide your feedback by responding to a short survey or sharing an email. Visit the NSW EPA website to find out more.
Consultation is now open on 'Accelerating SA’s transition to a circular economy: South Australia’s waste strategy 2025–2030'. The draft strategy outlines key opportunities and priorities that will support South Australia's transition to a circular economy over the next five years. Find out more and share your feedback via YourSAy before 5:00pm on Wednesday 23 July.
