What is the contamination rate for commercial recycling in Melbourne?

The evidence reviewed here does not establish a single Melbourne-wide commercial recycling contamination rate. Use a clearly defined site audit and the receiving service's acceptance list.

What to check

1. Define rejected material and whether the audit measures mass, volume or item count.
2. Use a trained auditor and safe sampling method, not staff hand-sorting unknown mixed waste.
3. Record dates, streams, bins sampled and unusual operating conditions.
4. Repeat the same method for comparison. Residential kerbside data or one rejected load is not a reliable commercial benchmark.

Source context

EPA classification guidance identifies waste; it does not provide a citywide commercial contamination average. EPA Victoria: Classify industrial waste.

Related resources

• Recycling Services
• How to Reduce Commercial Waste Costs
• Waste Audit Checklist

Related questions

• What can and cannot go in a commingled recycling bin?

Sources

• EPA Victoria — Classify industrial waste. Classification process; priority waste. Checked 18 September 2026.