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Who’s responsible for our plastic problem?

Sep 14, 2025
Petra Stock, a climate and environment reporter for Guardian Australia, dives into the urgent plastic waste crisis facing Australia. She discusses the failed UN treaty talks and the stark divide between countries on how to manage plastic pollution. Stock highlights Australia’s alarming increase in plastic waste and stagnant recycling rates. The conversation also touches on innovative measures like South Australia's ban on small plastic soy sauce fish and the pressing need for comprehensive regulatory solutions to tackle this environmental menace.
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INSIGHT

Plastics Are Systemic, Not Just Consumer Problems

  • Plastics are pervasive across supermarkets, agriculture, construction and logistics, so consumer choices show only part of the problem.
  • Petra Stock highlights that system-wide uses make avoiding plastics extremely difficult for individuals.
INSIGHT

Rising Waste, Flat Recycling Rates

  • Australia produced about 3.2 million tonnes of plastic waste in the latest year, up from 3 million tonnes the year before.
  • Recycling rates have flatlined around roughly 14%, showing little improvement since 2005.
INSIGHT

Per-Person Plastic Use Is High And Diverse

  • Australians used 4 million tonnes of plastic products and packaging in 2023–24, about 146kg per person, split roughly between households and construction.
  • Packaging, textiles and building materials are major sources rather than just single-use grocery items.
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