Victoria’s Recycled First Policy is redefining how construction projects incorporate recycled and reused materials. Introduced in March 2020, the policy mandates that all tenderers for major transport infrastructure projects demonstrate how they will prioritise the use of recycled and reused materials within existing engineering standards.
This initiative is part of a broader shift towards a circular economy, ensuring that materials such as recycled concrete, steel, plastic, and glass are given a second life in infrastructure projects, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.
The policy is designed to drive demand for recycled materials while maintaining high construction standards. Key requirements include:
Alongside the Recycled First Policy, Sustainability Victoria’s Buy Circular Service is helping local councils and project developers integrate sustainable procurement practices.
By working together, these initiatives increase the demand for recycled materials, reduce environmental impact, and ensure that major infrastructure projects contribute to a more sustainable future.
Victoria’s approach is setting a new benchmark for sustainable procurement in infrastructure. With increasing pressure to reduce waste and carbon footprints, policies like Recycled First ensure that major projects contribute to long-term environmental and economic benefits.
As more industries embrace circular economy principles, integrating tools like SocialPro to track procurement efforts and material use will be essential in ensuring transparency, accountability, and measurable impact.
https://bigbuild.vic.gov.au/about/ecologiq/recycled-first-policy
