Driving Sustainable Outcomes: How the Recycled First Policy is Shaping Victoria’s Future

Building a Circular Future Through the Recycled First Policy

Since its introduction in 2020, the Victorian Government’s Recycled First Policy (2020) has become a driver of sustainable procurement in Victoria. The policy ensures that recycled and reused materials are prioritised in government infrastructure projects, helping to divert waste from landfill, stimulate market innovation, and strengthen local supply chains.

From 1 July, with support from ecologiQ, the Victorian Government has expanded the Recycled First Policy to include built environment projects such as schools, hospitals and housing. This expansion will extend sustainability benefits beyond major transport and road projects and create new opportunities for local content and job creation under the Local Jobs First Policy.

Understanding the Recycled First Policy in Victoria

The Recycled First Policy aims to optimise the use of recycled and reused materials across Victorian Government projects, including transport, infrastructure and maintenance activities.

It supports the state’s Recycling Victoria: A new economy plan and the Social Procurement Framework (2018) by embedding environmental and social outcomes into every stage of procurement and delivery.

Its objectives include:

• Maximising the use of approved recycled and reused materials
• Encouraging innovation in design and construction practices
• Supporting the development of new Victorian recycled products
• Building stronger local supply chains for recycled materials
• Reducing embodied carbon and environmental impacts
• Helping achieve sustainable outcomes across all government projects

Implementation of the Policy – What Has Been Achieved So Far

Since 2020, the Recycled First Policy has delivered measurable change across Victoria’s infrastructure sector. It has been directly attributed to diverting more than 5.8 million tonnes of waste from landfill, proving the value of sustainable procurement at scale.

The policy has already been successfully applied across Victoria’s Big Build program, including landmark projects such as the North East Link and Suburban Rail Loop. These projects demonstrate how policy leadership can translate into tangible environmental and social outcomes, setting new benchmarks for the use of recycled materials in large-scale construction.

Recycled content is now a core consideration in major infrastructure design, with contractors and suppliers working together to meet sustainability targets and improve resource efficiency.

Social Enterprises Delivering on the Recycled First Policy

For example, OC Connections, an Australian Disability Enterprise, produces fully recycled T top bollards used in road projects, which is a demonstration of how innovation and inclusion can work together under the policy framework.

The results have been wide reaching:

• Recycled product use is now embedded in standard project design
• Waste diversion from landfill continues to increase
• More local suppliers are producing sustainable materials
• Recycled product competitiveness in tenders has improved
• Collaboration between government, contractors and industry has strengthened

Policy Expansion Across the Built Environment

From 1 July, the Recycled First Policy is being implemented across built environment projects. This includes health, education, housing and community infrastructure. The expansion represents a major step in driving circular economy outcomes across all areas of government procurement.

This shift encourages:

• Early consideration of recycled materials during design and planning
• Greater collaboration across procurement, design and construction teams
• Improved project sustainability through reduced embodied carbon
• Broader supplier participation, fostering local innovation and capability

Together, the Recycled First Policy and Local Jobs First Policy reinforce a shared goal: achieving sustainable, inclusive and locally driven government projects.

How Sedo Group Supports Implementation of the Recycled First Policy

At Sedo Group, we work across projects impacted by the policy expansion, helping both government agencies and industry suppliers understand, apply and benefit from the Recycled First Policy.

For government agencies, Sedo Group:

• Provides training and education on policy obligations
• Maps local recycled suppliers and materials
• Supports integration of sustainability into procurement planning
• Facilitates collaboration across departments and contractors
• Tracks and reports outcomes for compliance and transparency

For suppliers and contractors, Sedo Group:

• Interprets policy requirements and opportunities
• Helps identify recycled material sources and partners
• Advises on how to strengthen tenders through sustainable procurement outcomes
• Connects suppliers with relevant government projects
• Provides bid back support for government tenders

Our approach spans the full procurement lifecycle — from education and mapping through to implementation and reporting. Sedo Group acts as a strategic partner and connector, ensuring both the public and private sectors achieve their sustainability and social procurement goals.

Partnering for a More Sustainable and Inclusive Future

The expansion of the Recycled First Policy highlights Victoria’s commitment to long term sustainability, social inclusion and local economic growth. Sedo Group is proud to work alongside government agencies, contractors and suppliers to turn these policy goals into practical outcomes.

By embedding recycled content, supporting local suppliers and integrating sustainability into procurement, we are helping shape a circular and inclusive future for Victoria.

Let’s Work Together

If your organisation is preparing for upcoming government projects under the Recycled First Policy or the Local Jobs First Policy, Sedo Group can help you design and deliver a sustainable procurement strategy that achieves real impact.

📩 Get in touch with our team to learn how we can support your next project.