Sustainability
2 min read
By Pedro Carreira
Updated 25 June 2026
Five steps: (1) Audit current waste to identify recyclable streams (paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, organics), (2) Set up colour-coded bins at all waste points with clear signage, (3) Train all staff in a 15-minute session — focus on the top 5 contaminants, (4) Assign a waste champion per floor or department, (5) Monitor contamination monthly and send results to staff.
Most workplaces see contamination drop 40-60% within 3 months. Bundle Waste provides signage templates and training materials at no cost.
Key Numbers
- Staff training session: 15 minutes
- Contamination drop achievable: 40–60% within 3 months
- Typical commingled contamination (Vic): about 12%
- Industry contamination target: under 5%
What You Need to Know
A workplace recycling programme succeeds or fails on contamination, not enthusiasm. Across Victoria, commingled recycling runs at about 12% contamination against an industry target of under 5% — and a single wrong item can downgrade a whole bin to landfill. The five steps that move the needle, in order:
- Audit first — identify which streams (paper, cardboard, bottles, cans, organics) you actually generate.
- Colour-coded bins — at every waste point, with clear signage, never an unlabelled spare.
- 15-minute training — focused on your top 5 contaminants, not generic rules.
- A waste champion — one per floor or department to answer day-to-day questions.
- Monthly monitoring — measure contamination and share results back to staff.
Colour-coded, source-separated bins are exactly what Recycling Victoria — A New Economy is rolling out through its four-stream system. As an independent broker, Bundle Waste supplies signage templates and training materials at no cost, audits your invoice for free, compares a network of providers, and is paid only from the savings we find.
Related Resources
Related Questions
What is the Recycling Victoria policy?+
Recycling Victoria is a 10-year circular economy policy (2020–2030) investing $515 million. Key measures: mandatory four-stream separation, Container Deposit Scheme, landfill material bans, 80% diversion target by 2030, and new recycling infrastructure investment.
What is the National Waste Policy?+
National Waste Policy 2018 targets: 80% resource recovery by 2030, halve organic waste to landfill by 2030, phase out problematic plastics. Drives Victorian policy through export bans on unprocessed waste and product stewardship schemes.
Are compostable packaging items actually composted in Victoria?+
Most compostable packaging requires industrial composting conditions (55 degrees C+) not available at home. In Victoria, compostable packaging CAN go in commercial food organics bins if your composting facility accepts them — check with your provider. Many composters reject it because it resembles plastic.
What single-use plastics are banned in Victoria?+
Victoria's single-use plastics ban (2023) prohibits: straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks, expanded polystyrene food containers, and lightweight plastic bags. Fines up to about $55,000 for non-compliance. Compostable alternatives are permitted.
What is the Australian Packaging Covenant?+
APCO's 2025 targets: 100% packaging reusable, recyclable, or compostable, 70% plastic packaging recycled, 50% recycled content. Businesses importing or manufacturing packaging over $5 million revenue must join ($1,000–10,000/year membership).
See exactly what you are overpaying
Bundle Waste reviews your current waste invoices and benchmarks them against a network of Melbourne providers — free, with a written report in 5 business days. You will see what you pay now, where the hidden charges are, and the rate we can negotiate. You only pay from the savings we find: no savings, no fee.
Get my free waste audit →
Updated 25 June 2026
