New Research Into Australian Composting Behaviours

Aussies Want to Compost, But Council Support and Logo Confusion Are Holding Them Back

Australians are eager to do the right thing when it comes to disposing of packaging, yet new research highlights ongoing challenges. The study, conducted by Compost Connect, a Government-backed initiative, in collaboration with BioPak, found that while most Australians want to dispose of items correctly, confusion over logos and a lack of council support for composting remain major hurdles.

Key Insights

70% of Australians place high importance on disposing of items in the correct council provided bin.
One third of Australians claim to undertake composting (majority backyard) and over half of Australians express interest in home composting in the future.
Almost half of Australians (45%) believe that cost-of-living does not impact their ability to prioritise recycling or composting.
Only 1 in 5 Australians believe their council makes composting easy for them.
Only 1 in 10 Australians were able to recognise the industrially compostable and home compostable logos – few people understood the true meaning of the logos.
70% of respondents state they will now look for these compostable logos on the packaging of everyday items.

A Lack of Support from Councils

Australians’ desire to compost is strong, but the research revealed that many feel unsupported by their local councils. Only 20% of respondents said their council makes composting easy, highlighting a need for clearer guidance and infrastructure. According to the data, Australians would welcome more comprehensive disposal stickers on bins (52%), informational brochures (42%), and one-on-one sessions from councils (18%) to help them understand how to compost correctly.

H3: Check With Your Council

Compost Connect Calls for Unified Government Action

Compost Connect board member, Gary Smith, emphasised the importance of a united approach to address the challenges of waste disposal. “Aussies are keen to do the right thing, but there are significant roadblocks, particularly around council restrictions and government regulations,” said Smith. He pointed to the success of South Australia’s composting programs as proof that change is possible, with initiatives like Rundle Mall’s pilot scheme demonstrating the viability of including compostable packaging in kerbside bins.

“On a federal level, we need a holistic approach to waste disposal,” Smith added. “States like South Australia are leading the way, showing how effective compostable packaging can be when the infrastructure is in place. We hope other states will follow suit.”

Confusion Over Compostable Logos

Another barrier identified was the lack of recognition of compostable and recycling logos. Only 1 in 10 Australians can accurately identify universal compostable logos, and 43% recognise the ARL recycling logos. The study revealed that Australians are looking for practical visual cues and more accessible educational resources to help them make informed choices.

Growing Awareness and Commitment to Change

The good news? 70% of the research respondents said they will now actively look for compostable logos when choosing products, demonstrating an increasing awareness of the importance of compostable packaging.

“With only 9% of the world’s plastic being recycled, education and the adoption of circular solutions is critical,” Smith emphasized. “We are collaborating with businesses, policymakers, and industry leaders to build a comprehensive library of resources that help people understand the benefits of composting. It starts with awareness and education, and our mission is to spark conversations that lead to meaningful change.”

Dr. Thava Palanisami, Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, echoed these sentiments. “It’s heartening to see Australians’ growing interest in composting and recycling,” said Dr. Palanisami. “Their willingness to make environmentally conscious choices is a significant step toward long-term sustainability strategies focused on the circular economy.”

Compost for Climate: A New Initiative to Educate and Inspire

Compost Connect is not just presenting the data; it is also taking action. Its new campaign, “Compost for Climate,” aims to educate and provide resources to help Australians make more sustainable choices. By connecting food service businesses to commercial composters, and educating end consumers on the importance of home composting, Compost Connect hopes to lift composting rates and empower Australians to take action for the planet.