NSW waste and recycling performance data quality statement
The data quality statement outlines key characteristics relating to the quality of the NSW waste and recycling performance data. It is designed to provide users with the information they need to judge whether the dataset is fit for their intended purpose.
| About this data | |
|---|---|
| Dataset name | NSW waste and recycling performance data |
| Frequency | Annual by financial year |
| Custodian | NSW Environment Protection Authority (NSW EPA) |
| Revision policy | If errors are identified and result in a material change to a data point greater than 0.05 (5%) |
| Description | The NSW waste and recycling performance data provides insight on the progress of NSW on improving waste outcomes. This includes reducing waste generation and increasing recycling by diverting materials from landfill. |
| Data collection | The primary source is data collected under legislation through the NSW Waste and Resource Reporting Portal (WARRP). Facilities report on tonnes of material received by:
Facilities report on tonnes of material transported by:
Monthly reporting for levy liable facilities The occupier of a scheduled waste facility who is required to pay contributions under section 88 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) must submit WCMRs to the NSW EPA, under section 22 of the Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (Waste Regulation) within 26 days after the end of each month. Annual reporting for non-levy liable facilities Landfill sites and some non-levy liable waste facilities have reporting obligations under section 109 of the Waste Regulation. This includes submitting AWRs for the financial year within 60 days after the end of the financial year to which the report relates. See Appendix 1 for the number of facilities reporting under each mechanism. |
| Scope | It is designed to support the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy (WaSM) by reporting on the following for NSW:
The data covers the following waste streams:
|
| Geography | The data covers the following geographic areas:
Information on the solid waste levy areas is available on the NSW EPA webpage Levy regulated area and levy rates. |
| Methodology | The WARRP data is processed by reallocating waste stream/types where errors are identified and appending external data sources. The data is aggregated and the following metrics are calculated: Waste disposed = waste received – waste transported – waste deducted for an operational purpose (Note only for disposal facilities) Waste recycled = waste transported from site for lawful recovery at a licensed waste facility Waste generated = Waste disposed + Waste recycled Note: For waste transported, facilities report on waste removed from site to the following destinations (fates):
Waste recycled is calculated as the sum of (b.) where the receiving facility did not report in the WARRP, (c.) and (d.). To reduce the risk of double counting, waste is excluded for transactions where waste is sent from one licenced facility and received at another licenced facility where both report in the WARRP. This is because waste may be transported between facilities or sorted at one facility and processed at another. On average 3.5m tonnes of material passes through more than one facility each year and is removed from the data. This may fluctuate with waste generation. |
| Data disclaimer | The NSW EPA and NSW Government are committed to producing data that is accurate, complete and useful. Notwithstanding its commitment to data quality, the NSW Government gives no warranty as to the fitness of this data for a particular purpose. While every effort is made to ensure data quality, the data is provided as is. The burden for fitness of the data relies completely with the user. NSW Government shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data. |
| Data privacy | The NSW EPA values the data provided by the NSW waste industry and makes significant efforts to ensure the protection of facility-level data. The method ensures that facility-level data cannot be identified. Facility-level data is protected from disclosure under Section 319 of the POEO Act as it is commercially sensitive. |
| Limitations | The data is aggregated to the NSW level and by waste stream/category to maintain data quality and privacy. Information is not available by local government area or waste type as increased granularity decreases the quality of the data. In addition, this aggregation ensures privacy of facility level information which is protected under legislation. Not all waste or resource recovery facilities are required to report in WARRP including those that operate under a relevant threshold or outside of the levied areas. This includes some composters and scrap metal facilities - where data was not available, an estimate has been calculated. |
| External sources | Where WARRP data was not available, the following secondary sources were used:
For further information see Non-reporting resource recovery facilities, Waste imports and exports and Appendix 2. |
| Historical and other comparisons | The method and assumptions used to develop this dataset are an improvement on those used in Waste and Resource Recovery Progress Reports published prior to 2015–16. The improved methodology means datasets from 2015-16 onwards are more accurate however, cannot be compared to waste data prior to 2015–16. The MSW component of the dataset is not comparable to the NSW Local Government Waste Data Survey (LG WDS) datasets due to methodological differences. These differences include:
This dataset is also not comparable with the National Waste and Resource Recovery Reports (NWRR Report) prepared by the Australian Government because:
|
| Changes in the solid waste levied areas | The Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Amendment (Waste Facility Contributions) Regulation 2024 removed the Kyogle local government area from the Regional Levy Area (RLA) from 1 March 2024 to 1 July 2027. Up until February 2024 Kyogle was included in the Regional Levy Area (RLA). From March 2024 Kyogle was reclassified as non-levied area until 1 July 2027. The former solid waste levied areas, the Extended Regional Area (ERA) and Sydney Metropolitan Area (SMA) are now collectively known as the Metropolitan Levy Area (MLA) as set out in the NSW Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014. |
| Other considerations | |
| Coal Washery Rejects | Levy is collected on coal washery rejects, however this waste type is excluded from the data. This is in line with the National standard for waste and resource recovery data and reporting. |
| Data is self-reported | Waste data collected in WARRP is self-reported by occupiers of waste facilities. There are a number of regulatory levers available to maintain the quality of the data reported. Under legislation the NSW EPA:
Further it is an offence to provide false and misleading information under Section 66 (2) of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). |
| Exempt waste | The dataset includes waste received at disposal facilities that is exempt from the solid waste levy and that is generally not recoverable including:
|
| Mass change | The weight of organic material is impacted by environmental factors and the type of processing used. The impact of this is accounted for by calculating an estimate of moisture loss (mass loss factor) at composting facilities. This is then applied to organic waste recovered by stream. The mass loss factor may vary year on year. Mass loss factor for each stream = waste received - waste transported where:
This standardised and broad stroke approach is suitable for the aggregated data however it may not be fit for purpose to be used for other analysis. *Mixed waste organic outputs are excluded from the calculations as this waste type is considered disposed and is not produced by composting facilities. |
| Non-reporting resource recovery facilities | Resource recovery facilities operating under the regulated threshold, outside the regulated area or carrying out certain activities are not required by legislation to report to the NSW EPA. This primarily includes small or collocated composting facilities and plastic or scrap metal reprocessors. Plastic reprocessors are accounted for in the NSW Plastic Fates and Flows Study which substitutes plastic recovery data from WARRP with data from the study. Composting facilities and scrap metal reprocessors are contacted annually to provide data on a voluntary basis. Where data is not available estimates are calculated using administrative information including Environmental Protection Licence conditions. |
| Operational Purpose Deductions | Levied area: Occupiers of facilities in the levied area can apply to bring material onsite for an operational purpose e.g. road repair or construction of a hardstand. This is called an Operational Purpose Deduction (OPD). If approved, the material can be deducted from waste received/stock onsite and is levy exempt. Material used for an approved OPD is subtracted from waste received and does not factor into generation, recovery or disposal calculations. Non-levied area: Landfills that complete annual waste reports in the non-levied area do not have a mechanism to report material used for works onsite. This is because an OPD is a regulatory function for levy exemptions. To account for this, bricks, concrete and aggregates are subtracted from waste received for non-levied landfills. This is because the material is likely being used for works onsite and not landfilled. This reduces tonnes reported as disposed. Landfills in the non-levied area also receive soil and VENM. These materials are used for both works onsite and disposed of in the form of cell construction or daily cover. It is not possible to accurately determine the proportion used for works onsite or for daily cover based on reporting requirements. This results in higher than actual disposal in the non-levied area. When the data is aggregated to the NSW level the impact is within an acceptable margin of error (~1%). |
| Peer review | The method and assumptions applied to the dataset have been independently and objectively peer reviewed by three consultants. The reviews reported that the method:
The reviews made the following recommendations:
These recommendations are addressed within this Data Quality Statement. |
| Reallocation of waste types or streams | When processing the WARRP data waste types and streams are reviewed against a set of business rules. Waste types may be reallocated from one stream to another, where an error is identified. This is primarily for prescribed or specialised waste types including mixed waste organic outputs, recovered fines and shredder floc however may cover other waste types with a clear/common source stream such as asbestos. There are also cases where the waste stream is reported as unknown. As part of processing the WARRP data all unknown waste is reallocated to either MSW, C&I or C&D. This is done by considering in order:
A breakdown of material reported as unknown and the impact on each waste stream by reallocation is available in Appendix 4. |
| Waste imports and exports | Some resource recovery facilities source or export waste from interstate and overseas. Similarly, some disposal facilities source waste from interstate. In some cases, exports do not pass through a reporting waste facility or NSW port. Export data is supplemented using the waste export summaries prepared by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (or IHS Markets pre 2022-23). Not all waste types exported are considered recoverable therefore a subset of the waste export summaries is used. Waste transported interstate and overseas for recycling is assumed to be going to a productive use and is assumed as 100% recycled. This is because it is not possible to ascertain what happens to the waste once it leaves NSW. Refer to Appendix 2 for tonnes of waste transported interstate and overseas for recycling. |
| Where to find more information | |
| Custodian email | [email protected] |
Appendix 1
Table 1 provides a breakdown of facilities reporting under each mechanism. In some cases a facility may report both monthly and annually where the levy liabilities require them to do so e.g. landfills located outside the regulated area that receive waste from both the regulated area and the non-levied area.
Table 1: Number and type of facilities reporting by year and report type
| Period | Monthly reporting | Annual reporting | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Landfills | Recovery/Transfer facilities | Landfills | Recovery/Transfer facilities | |
| 2015–16 | 70 | 122 | 262 | 23 |
| 2016–17 | 69 | 139 | 251 | 31 |
| 2017–18 | 69 | 158 | 242 | 36 |
| 2018–19 | 68 | 168 | 240 | 37 |
| 2019–20 | 67 | 174 | 234 | 39 |
| 2020–21 | 63 | 178 | 225 | 37 |
| 2021–22 | 63 | 191 | 227 | 37 |
| 2022–23 | 61 | 178 | 217 | 39 |
| 2023–24 | 62 | 179 | 215 | 38 |
| 2024–25 | 58 | 185 | 207 | 39 |
Appendix 2
The primary data source is reporting in the NSW Waste and Resource Reporting Portal. This comprises around 90% of the data. The proportion of external sources is available in Table 2.1. Other/Exports includes a nominal amount of E-Waste, residues and textiles.
The tonnes of materials exported interstate by category is available in Table 2.2 and 2.3. Other tonnes includes e-waste, residues or rejects, textiles, rags and tyres. From 2024–25, e-waste, textiles and tyres were reported separately and removed from other tonnes.
Table 2.1: Proportion of tonnes used from external (non-WARRP) data sources
| Period | Total external recovery data | Metal recovery | Organic recovery | Plastic recovery | Other/Exports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 5% | 2.40% | 1.55% | 0.75% | 0.30% |
| 2016–17 | 8% | 5.04% | 1.76% | 0.86% | 0.34 |
| 2017–18 | 9% | 5.85% | 2.16% | 0.72% | 0.27% |
| 2018–19 | 8% | 5.60% | 0.80% | 1.04% | 0.56% |
| 2019–20 | 9% | 6.93% | 0.63% | 0.63% | 0.81% |
| 2020–21 | 10% | 7.90% | 1.10% | 0.60% | 0.40% |
| 2021–22 | 10% | 7.70% | 1.10% | 0.80% | 0.40% |
| 2022–23 | 11% | 8.80% | 1.10% | 0.77% | 0.22% |
| 2023–24 | 11% | 8.58% | 1.10% | 0.99% | 0.33% |
| 2024–25 | 10% | 7.70% | 1.35% | 0.90% | 0.31% |
Table 2.2: Tonnes of waste transported interstate for recycling by category and year
| Period | E-waste | Glass | Masonry materials | Metals | Organics | Other | Paper and cardboard | Plastics | Textiles | Tyres |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | - | 59,000 | 48,000 | 8,000 | 2,000 | 663,000 | 319,000 | 4,000 | - | - |
| 2017–18 | - | 71,000 | 18,000 | 9,000 | 10,000 | 904,000 | 458,000 | 3,000 | - | - |
| 2018–19 | - | 59,000 | 8,000 | 9,000 | 26,000 | 801,000 | 429,000 | 2,800 | - | - |
| 2019–20 | - | 124,000 | 6,000 | 7,000 | 94,000 | 327,000 | 18,000 | 19,600 | - | - |
| 2020–21 | - | 107,000 | - | 7,000 | 47,000 | 144,000 | 421,000 | 7,500 | - | - |
| 2021–22 | - | 101,000 | - | 8,000 | 88,000 | 106,000 | 391,000 | 7,500 | - | - |
| 2022–23 | - | 71,000 | 18,000 | 45,000 | 5,000 | 135,000 | 431,000 | 25,000 | - | - |
| 2023–24 | - | 70,000 | 24,000 | 9,000 | 4,000 | 132,000 | 314,000 | 19,000 | - | - |
| 2024–25 | 1,000 | 84,000 | 16,000 | 11,000 | 34,000 | 188,000 | 292,000 | 26,000 | 1,000 | 1,000 |
Table 2.3: Tonnes of waste transported overseas for recycling by category and year
| Period | E-waste | Glass | Metals | Other | Paper and cardboard | Plastics | Textiles | Tyres |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | - | 16,000 | 336,000 | 55,000 | 402,000 | 58,000 | - | - |
| 2017–18 | - | 8,000 | 440,000 | 39,000 | 420,000 | 55,000 | - | - |
| 2018–19 | - | 1,000 | 478,000 | 93,000 | 476,000 | 53,400 | - | - |
| 2019–20 | - | 6,000 | 531,000 | 68,000 | 503,000 | 39,900 | - | - |
| 2020–21 | - | - | 494,000 | 79,000 | 445,000 | 43,000 | - | - |
| 2021–22 | - | - | 429,000 | 75,000 | 377,000 | 48,200 | - | - |
| 2022–23 | - | - | 353,000 | 127,000 | 245,000 | 29,000 | - | - |
| 2023–24 | - | - | 435,000 | 147,000 | 274,000 | 51,000 | - | - |
| 2024–25 | 2,000 | - | 454,000 | 54,000 | 315,000 | 31,200 | 42,000 | 582,000 |
Appendix 3
Soil and virgin excavated natural material (VENM) reported in the MLA and RLA can be identified as either recovered or disposed and very little disposal occurs. This material is usually used onsite, sold or transported offsite for productive use. The tonnes of soil and VENM included in waste recycled is available in Table 3.1. Material used onsite for operational purpose deductions onsite is removed from the dataset.
The fate of soil and VENM received at landfills in the non-levied area is unable to be determined under the legislated reporting requirements. It may be used for onsite works however there is no levy mechanism to report this and soil or VENM are commonly used for landfill cell construction and cover. Therefore, this material is assumed to be disposed.
The impact at the NSW level is nominal and within an acceptable margin of error ~1%. Table 3.1 indicates the tonnes of soil and VENM reported as disposed in the non-levied area.
Table 3.1: Tonnes of soil and VENM in waste recycled by year
| Period | Soil/VENM Recycled – all levy areas |
|---|---|
| 2016–17 | 1,435,000 |
| 2017–18 | 1,744,000 |
| 2018–19 | 1,860,000 |
| 2019–20 | 2,575,000 |
| 2020–21 | 2,041,000 |
| 2021–22 | 2,068,000 |
| 2022–23 | 2,004,000 |
| 2023–24 | 2,264,000 |
| 2024–25 | 2,434,000 |
Table 3.2: Tonnes of soil and VENM reported as disposed in the non-levied area by year
| Period | Soil/VENM disposed – non-levied area |
|---|---|
| 2022–23 | 438,000 |
| 2023–24 | 350,000 |
| 2024–25 | 421,000 |
Appendix 4
The proportion of waste received, and waste transported that was reported in WARRP is available in Table 4.1. When receiving waste, the source is more easily identifiable as it often relates to a contract, generator or customer. Before material is transported offsite it may be sorted, processed or loads are combined so the stream may not always be identifiable once it is transported out.
The NSW EPA reallocates the unknown waste stream to MSW, C&I and C&D as part of data processing. Reallocation also occurs across streams. The impact of the reallocation of unknown waste stream and allocation between MSW, C&I and C&D is provided in Table 4.2.
Table 4.1: Proportion (by weight) of received and transported waste reported as unknown waste stream by year
| Period | Proportion of unknown waste stream received | Proportion of unknown waste stream transported |
|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 3% | 30% |
| 2016–17 | 6% | 34% |
| 2017–18 | 4% | 30% |
| 2018–19 | 4% | 16% |
| 2019–20 | 3% | 16% |
| 2020–21 | 1% | 17% |
| 2021–22 | 2% | 19% |
| 2022–23 | 2% | 18% |
| 2023–24 | 2% | 25% |
| 2024–25 | 3% | 27% |
Table 4.2: Percentage change in tonnes of waste received after adjustment by waste stream and year
| Period | MSW | C&I | C&D |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | +8% | -9% | <1% |
| 2016–17 | +7% | -6% | >-1% |
| 2017–18 | +10% | -9% | >-1% |
| 2018–19 | +12% | -11% | >-1% |
| 2019–20 | +10% | -10% | <1% |
| 2020–21 | +10% | -10% | <1% |
| 2021–22 | +12% | -11% | +2% |
| 2022–23 | +9% | -13% | +9% |
| 2023–24 | +8% | -11% | +7% |
| 2024–25 | +8% | -13% | +10% |