As a large generator of waste in the Australian Government, Defence was a stakeholder in the development of the Australian Government’s National Waste Policy 2018. Defence has developed a waste minimisation and management policy that reflects the principles of the National Waste Policy, with a focus on a circular economy. Defence also participates in relevant product stewardship schemes.

Defence has adopted a number of specific waste management and policy objectives, including:

• minimising the amount of material being diverted to landfill
• reducing consumption of natural resources
• reducing waste management and disposal costs through waste streaming.

Defence continues to work with industry to identify new opportunities to increase the use of recycled materials.

In collaboration with Defence industry partner Aurecon, the first recycled road on a Defence base was laid at RAAF Base Williams, Point Cook (Victoria) in May 2020. The project used 180 tonnes of PlastiPhalt, which included 600 kilograms of plastic waste. The project also incorporated 210 tonnes of crushed concrete waste from within the project, diverting it from landfill.