10 Common Waste Streams in Australia
We generated an estimated 75.8 million tonnes of waste, or about 2.95 tonnes per person in 2020/21. So far, we recycle about 60% of this waste.
Why it matters
From food scraps to broken electronics, Australians produce a lot of waste. The National Waste Report 2022 estimates that Australia generated 75.8 million tonnes of waste in 2020–21. That is about 2.95 tonnes per person. The same report puts the resource recovery rate at 63% and the recycling rate at 60%.
Knowing the main waste streams helps you sort better at home. For a new building, it shapes how big the bin room is and how waste leaves the site.
The 10 most common waste streams
1. Municipal solid waste (MSW)
This is the waste collected from households and councils, mostly through kerbside bins. It includes food scraps, paper, packaging and plastics. The National Waste Report puts MSW at 14.0 million tonnes in 2020–21.
2. Construction and demolition waste
Concrete, bricks, timber, metals and plasterboard from building sites. It is one of the largest streams by weight, at 29.0 million tonnes or 38% of the national total. Much of it can be recovered when it is separated on site.
3. Commercial and industrial waste
Waste from businesses and industry, such as offices, shops, restaurants and factories. It ranges from paper, cardboard and food to scrap metal and process by-products. Including ash, it came to 32.8 million tonnes in 2020–21.
4. Food waste
According to DCCEEW, Australia wastes around 7.6 million tonnes of food each year. That is more than 300 kg per person, and households account for about 2.5 million tonnes. Food waste causes around 3% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions. In landfill, it breaks down and releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
5. Garden waste
Grass clippings, leaves and prunings. Garden waste composts well. In Victoria it now shares a bin with food scraps, known as FOGO (food organics and garden organics).
6. Glass
Bottles and jars. Glass is easier to recycle into new products when it is kept clean and separate. That is one reason Victoria is moving to a separate glass service.
7. Electronic waste (e-waste)
Anything with a plug, battery or power cord, from phones and computers to white goods. E-waste can contain hazardous materials and valuable metals. Since 2019 it has been illegal to put e-waste in household rubbish or landfill in Victoria.
8. Hard or bulky waste
Furniture, mattresses and other large items. Many can be repaired, donated or recycled, and most councils run hard waste collections.
9. Hazardous waste
Waste that is toxic, corrosive, flammable or reactive. Examples include chemicals, asbestos, paints, automotive fluids and mercury-containing lamps. Hazardous waste was 7.4 million tonnes in 2020–21, mainly contaminated soil. It needs specialist handling and must never go in household bins.
10. Clinical waste
Used sharps, dressings and other waste from healthcare. It needs careful storage, transport and treatment to prevent the spread of disease. In Victoria, EPA Victoria regulates how it is managed.
How the streams fit together
| Stream | Where it comes from | 2020–21 figure |
|---|---|---|
| Construction and demolition | Building sites | 29.0 Mt (38% of total) |
| Commercial and industrial, including ash | Businesses and industry | 32.8 Mt (43% of total) |
| Municipal solid waste | Households and councils | 14.0 Mt (18% of total) |
| Hazardous waste (a material type across all streams) | Mainly contaminated soil | 7.4 Mt |
| Food waste (all sectors, each year) | Farm to household | About 7.6 Mt |
Sources: DCCEEW National Waste Report 2022 (data for 2020–21) and DCCEEW Reducing Australia's food waste (citing the 2021 National Food Waste Strategy Feasibility Study). Mt means million tonnes. Checked on 5 November 2026.
What this means for new buildings
Under Victoria's new recycling laws, households are moving to four streams: rubbish, mixed recycling, glass by 2027, and food and garden organics by 2030. The Victorian Government explains the change on its standardised household recycling page.
For apartments, mixed-use and commercial projects, that means more bins, more space and a clear plan for collection. Councils often ask for a Waste Management Plan with the planning permit. Getting it right early avoids redrawing the bin room later.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main waste streams in Australia?
By source, there are three: municipal solid waste from households and councils, commercial and industrial waste, and construction and demolition waste. Within those sit material streams such as food, garden, glass, e-waste and hazardous waste.
Which waste stream is the largest?
Commercial and industrial waste, including ash, was the largest at 32.8 million tonnes in 2020–21. Construction and demolition waste was close behind at 29.0 million tonnes.
Can I put e-waste in my rubbish bin?
Not in Victoria. E-waste has been banned from household rubbish and landfill since 2019. Take it to a council drop-off point or an accredited collection site.
What is FOGO?
FOGO stands for food organics and garden organics. It is the bin for food scraps and garden waste. Victoria plans for all households to have access to it by 2030.
Does my development need a Waste Management Plan?
Many Victorian councils ask for one for multi-unit, mixed-use and commercial developments. Your planning permit conditions or council's guidelines will confirm it.
A quiet word before you go
If your project needs a Waste Management Plan, we are glad to help. We have prepared plans for childcare centres, medical centres, apartments, retail and mixed-use buildings. Read about our Waste Management Plan service, or tell us about your project and we will let you know what council is likely to ask for.
Questions or corrections: contact Makao.
