Australia recovers two-thirds of its waste and metals lead at 90% recovery rate
In 2022-23, Australia generated 75.6 million tonnes of waste and achieved a 66.0% recovery rate. Metals are the standout at about 90%. That matters now for builders chasing recycled-content targets and predictable steel supply (data released December 2024).
Analysis by Independent Steel Company, published on 13th November 2025, updated on 22nd November 2025
Key takeaways at a glance (Data Source National Waste and Resource Recovery Database 2024, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Released: December 2024)
66.0% Overall recovery rate, 2022-23
89.8% Metals recovery rate, 2022-23
Australia’s resource recovery rate has surged from 49.2% in 2006–07 to 66% in 2022–23
South Australia (SA) decade long top in metal recovery rate, consistent number one, metals recovery rate 95.6% in 2022–23
NSW, ACT post over 90% metals recovery rate
+344,603 Tonnes extra metals if all matched South Australia (SA)
“Metals are recovered at 90%, making recycled steel the easiest recycled-content win in most builds.”
Darren Tredgold - Owner, Independent Steel Company
South Australia (SA) leads the nation in metals recovery rate at 95.6%, with NSW and the ACT close behind
“On today’s tenders, recycled content is standard. Steel is already doing the heavy lifting.”
Darren Tredgold - Owner, Independent Steel Company
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About US
Established in 2000, Independent Steel Company is an Australian-owned steel supplier and distributor with locations in Moss Vale, Nowra and Queanbeyan.
