The Western Australian Government says the state’s paper and cardboard recycling capacity is set to expand following a $7.92 million joint funding package from the Albanese and Cook Governments to upgrade infrastructure at the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility.
According to a joint media statement, Re.Cycle Operations Pty Ltd (Re.Group) has been awarded the funding to deliver upgrades supported by the WA Recycling Modernisation Fund, a $70 million initiative shared between the State and Federal governments.
The project is intended to strengthen domestic recycling capability and support compliance with national waste export regulations, including a 5 per cent contamination threshold by weight due to take effect on 1 July 2026.
The WA Government said the upgrades would include the installation of two ballistic separators and six optical sorters designed to detect and remove contaminants from paper and cardboard streams, alongside building modifications and new supporting infrastructure.
The improvements are expected to enhance processing efficiency and product quality, contributing to a more competitive domestic market for recycled materials.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt said the project would support Australia’s broader transition to a circular economy.
“Australia’s transition to a circular economy is well underway, and the upgrade of the Canning Vale Materials Recovery Facility will boost Perth’s paper and cardboard recycling capacity,” he said. “These funds will deliver new equipment to improve the value of materials produced through recycling.”
Watt added that through the Recycling Modernisation Fund, the Albanese Government is contributing $29.1 million to 15 recycling projects across Western Australia, which he said would support environmental outcomes as well as local employment and industry development.
WA Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the investment reflects ongoing efforts to improve both the quality and volume of resource recovery in the State.
“Infrastructure to improve fibre quality is critical to the ongoing viability of the Canning Vale plant, which has strategic importance as one of three materials recovery facilities in the metro area, safeguarding the State’s waste processing capacity,” he said.
Swinbourn said the State Government remains focused on reducing landfill and achieving high standards of resource recovery through sustainable waste management practices.
The installation and commissioning phase of the project is expected to employ 25 people, with roles focused on quality control, equipment testing and staff training.
