If two road projects in each state committed to using just 1.5 per cent of plastic content, Australia could almost double the amount of soft plastics recycled, a Senate inquiry has been told.
Australian Council of Recycling chief Pete Shmigel says more needs to be done to ensure government procurement of recycled materials.
A good way forward would be for infrastructure bodies to develop a pipeline of projects using recycled materials.
"If we can just point on a map where we can put this stuff, we can get it fixed real quick and we don't have to go through all the rigmarole," he said on Friday.
If two major road projects were picked in each state to use 1.5 per cent plastic content as opposed to virgin materials, another 100,000 tonnes of soft plastics could be used.
This would nearly double the current amount recycled, Mr Shmigel said.
The Senate inquiry is looking at a raft of recycling bills which implements export bans on waste plastic, paper, glass and tyres.
The changes will keep the 645,000 tonnes of unprocessed plastic, paper, glass and tyres usually shipped overseas each year onshore.
National Waste and Recycling Industry Council chief Rose Read wants the bills tweaked to ensure producers take more responsibility.
"Extended producer responsibility is making those companies who produce and manufacture products and put them onto market responsible not just for the manufacture but also the end of life of these products," she said.
As well as government procurement, NWRIC wants requirements for companies to increase the amount of recycled content used in their products and packaging.
WWF Australia says the legislation in its current form is a missed opportunity to address single-use plastics and plastics packaging.
The group wants recycled packaging content goals to be transitioned to mandatory product stewardship, to ensure the targets are met.
