✦ Plain-English Summary

Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (Excise) Bill 2020

What it does

This law introduces a tax (called an "excise charge") on waste material being exported out of Australia. Companies that ship waste overseas will have to pay this charge, with the amount depending on the type and quantity of waste being sent.

Why it matters

The tax is designed to discourage exporting Australia's waste and encourage domestic recycling instead. Rather than shipping our rubbish to other countries (often developing nations), the financial penalty makes it more attractive for companies to process and recycle waste here at home.

Key details

• Who pays: Companies and organisations exporting regulated waste material are responsible for paying the charge
• When it starts: The law only kicks in after a companion law called the Recycling and Waste Reduction Act 2020 also comes into effect — it won't work on its own
• Who's covered: The law applies across all Australian states, territories, and external territories, though it doesn't apply to Commonwealth government property

Official Description

Introduced with the Recycling and Waste Reduction Bill 2020, Recycling and Waste Reduction (Consequential and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2020, Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (General) Bill 2020 and Recycling and Waste Reduction Charges (Customs) Bill 2020, the bill imposes charges in relation to the export of regulated waste material, so far as those charges are duties of excise.

Committee Referrals

Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee; Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills

No formal division recorded

This bill passed by voice vote — parliament agreed without calling a formal count. A division is only recorded when a member explicitly requests one.

No votes yet.

No votes were recorded for this bill.