The collection of recyclables needs to be complemented by the development of viable end use markets which "close the recycling loop" to ensure that recycling meets its foreseen environmental, social and economic benefits. Progress on viable end use markets will also impact on and improve price fluctuation for collected recyclables.

Consumers and ratepayers have not completely recycled when they sort their recyclables and place them out for collection. Recycling is complete only after that material has been reprocessed into new and useful products or materials and then sold again.

Fundamentally, recycling is about the three steps illustrated in the above diagram:

Step 1 - Sorting and collecting recyclables
Step 2 - Reprocessing collected recyclables into new products and materials, and
Step 3 - The sale and purchase of those new products and materials

It is this third step, "closing the recycling loop" through "buying recycled", which represents the greatest challenge for the future. The economics of the Australian recycling system will not work unless "buying recycled" is driving demand for recycled content products (RCPs) and materials. This is not only to provide the demand side "pull" which complements the "push" from supply side collection, but also to demonstrate to manufacturers and suppliers that there is demand and therefore incentive for them to market recycled rather than virgin products.

Australian businesses and governments have recognised the challenge and importance of "buying recycled" and this has stimulated significant efforts to promote and gain traction for the "buy recycled" concept.

The BRBA through its activities and in-house efforts represents the commitment of the business community. BRBA members can and do direct their purchasing power ($30 billion) to ensure preference is given to RCPs and materials. Businesses can make a substantial contribution to the development of sustainable end uses for recycled material through the development of realistic purchasing policies and practices.

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