Australians Are Keen to Compost, But Challenges Remain with Council Support and Logo Clarity

New research by Compost Connect, a Government-supported initiative, in partnership with BioPak, reveals that Australians are eager to do the right thing when it comes to waste disposal, but many face challenges with composting due to unclear logos and insufficient support from councils. The survey, which gathered insights from 1,003 respondents across the nation, sheds light on the public’s attitudes toward compostable packaging, recycling, and waste management.

• 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.

The findings suggest that while Australians are eager to participate in composting, there is a clear need for better support and communication from councils. Only 1 in 5 of those surveyed feel that their council makes composting easy, indicating a gap in infrastructure and public education. Respondents suggested a desire for clearer guidance, such as comprehensive bin stickers (52%), printed brochures (42%), and even direct information sessions (18%) to help demystify the process.

Gary Smith, CEO of BioPak and board member of Compost Connect, called for a more coordinated effort at all levels of government to address the challenges of waste disposal. 

“Our data shows that Aussies are very keen to do the right thing, but there are some significant roadblocks, especially with regards to restrictions and legislation from a council, government and EPA standpoint,” said Smith.

“On a federal level, the ambiguity and lack of a holistic approach to waste disposal is still a key obstacle for many Australians. We are witnessing great success in such progressive states as South Australia, where councils are showcasing how achievable it is for compostable packaging to be included in green FOGO kerbside bins.” 

“The success of Rundle Mall’s pilot scheme is another nod to the viability of this waste model and a recent report further shows that, overall, compostable packaging has had a marginal impact on South Australia’s current commercial and residential organics recovery systems. It is our hope that other state Environmental Protection Authorities and councils may follow suit and invest in composting infrastructure and education.”

The study also highlighted the need for greater clarity around compostable and recycling logos. Only 10% of Australians could correctly identify universal compostable symbols, and 43% recognized the ARL recycling logos. This suggests a need for better visual cues and educational resources to guide consumers on proper disposal practices.

The report did reveal some encouraging trends: 70% of Australians confirmed that they would now look for compostable logos when choosing products, indicating a growing awareness of sustainable packaging and its role in waste management.

“With only 9% of the world's plastic being recycled, education and adopting circular solutions is critical,” Mr Smith continued. 

“We are working hard and collaborating with individuals, business leaders, policy makers and industry bodies to build a comprehensive library of resources that helps people understand the benefits of composting and the role compostable packaging plays in fighting the war on waste. It really does start with awareness and education, and it is our mission to continue to spark conversations that call for action and change.”

Dr. Thava Palanisami, Associate Professor at the University of Newcastle, praised the findings for highlighting consumer behavior. 

“It is truly wonderful to see that consumers’ perspectives and behaviours are being actively discussed, as they play a crucial role in determining the future of sustainability initiatives,” said Dr Palanisami. 

“It is heartening to witness the growing interest among Australians in composting and recycling - their willingness to adapt and make environmentally conscious choices is a significant step toward creating long-term strategies that focus on the circular economy and protecting the environment.”

To further address these issues, Compost Connect has launched “Compost for Climate,” a campaign aimed at raising awareness and providing educational resources on composting and sustainable practices. This initiative seeks to connect businesses in the foodservice sector with commercial composters and educate end consumers to increase composting rates and help Australians make more informed decisions.

Visit Compost for Climate for more details on how you can support the campaign and access helpful resources on compostable packaging.