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The circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated.
The circular economy moves away from the current linear ‘take, make, use and dispose’ model in which we take materials from the Earth, make products from them, and eventually throw them away as waste. By contrast, in a circular economy we stop waste being produced in the first place by keeping materials and energy circulating in the economy for as long as possible. In a circular economy, products and materials are kept in circulation through processes like maintenance, reuse, refurbishment, remanufacture, recycling, and composting.
The circular economy tackles climate change and other global challenges, like biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution, by decoupling economic activity from the consumption of finite resources.
The circular economy represents an opportunity for greater overall sustainability as supports economic prosperity and social development. Local manufacture, repair, collection, sorting and recycling create local jobs, support local economic activity and minimise the costs and impacts of unnecessary transport. Local solutions are particularly important in a state as large as WA where access to markets is limited, and transport costs and impacts are high.
Containers for Change
Containers for Change is an initiative embracing the concepts of the circular economy. The collection, recycling and remanufacture of beverage containers saves glass, metals, paper and plastic from ending up in landfill and recycling these materials for remanufacture means less raw materials are required for future beverage products. In the five years from 2020 to 2025, WA saved over 5 billion 10¢ containers from general waste which would have ended up in landfill if not recycled.
Lifecycle of Plastic (PET)VIDEO
Recycling Plastic Bottles VIDEO Containers for Change WA
ReMade in Australia
The ReMade in Australia program will certify and promote products and construction projects made in Australia with recycled materials, helping consumers and businesses to identify, choose and build demand for recycled content as part of a shift toward a circular economy.
Businesses will soon have the opportunity to apply for the program, where they will undergo a thorough certification process in mid 2026.
More information and contact
For more information contact the Environmental Sustainability Team on (08) 9290 6651 or email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au.
See more:
Ellen MacArthur Foundation
Circular Economy Western Australia
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Circular economy
Sustainable Living Guide (PDF)
Switch Your Thinking Energy