Wide-ranging standards, definitions and goals across Australia makes it difficult to have a holistic view of how much waste is being generated, where it is being received and how it is being used, particularly when it is transported interstate.
With harmonised standards, waste data could be more quickly and accurately collected and released to consumers, industry, regulators and government.
Harmonising standards requires funding and close coordination. The Australian Government and each state and territory government would need to change licence conditions and schemes, regulations and protocols, and commit to carrying out data reform.