Western Australia’s paper and cardboard recycling capacity is set to expand following a $7.92 million funding injection from the Albanese and Cook Governments to upgrade infrastructure at the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility.
Re.Cycle Operations Pty Ltd (Re.Group), the new operator, will receive $8 million to install equipment aimed at reducing contamination in paper and cardboard recycling streams and producing materials that meet Australian standards and comply with waste export regulations.
The upgrade includes two ballistic separators to ensure consistent fibre flow to six optical sorters, which detect and remove contaminants from the processing stream. Other improvements include building modifications, service upgrades, and new steel structures such as chutes and platforms to integrate with existing systems. According to the joint statement, the new infrastructure will enhance waste processing systems and improve product quality.
The improvements are intended to help meet national waste export requirements already in place, as well as a five per cent total contamination by weight requirement set to commence on 1 July 2026.
The project is supported by the Western Australian Recycling Modernisation Fund (RMF), a joint $70 million initiative between the state and federal governments. The statement says the project will contribute to a more competitive and sustainable domestic market for paper and cardboard collection, reprocessing and sale.
The installation and commissioning phase is expected to employ 25 people to carry out quality control, test new equipment, train staff and support the transition.
Murray Watt, Minister for the Environment and Water, said “Australia's transition to a circular economy is well underway, and the upgrade of the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility will boost Perth's paper and cardboard recycling capacity”.
“These funds will deliver new equipment to improve the value of materials produced through recycling,” he said.
“Through the Recycling Modernisation Fund, the Albanese Government is contributing $29.1 million to 15 Western Australian recycling projects. These projects don't just protect the environment; they also build local jobs and industries of the future.”
Matthew Swinbourn, WA Environment Minister, said “the quality and quantity of resource recovery in Western Australia is growing through support for vital recycling projects”.
“Infrastructure to improve fibre quality is critical to the ongoing viability of the Canning Vale plant, which has strategic importance as one of three materials recovery facilities in the metro area, safeguarding the State's waste processing capacity,” he said.
“We are committed to reducing landfill and achieving the highest standards of resource recovery through environmentally sustainable waste management.”
