Download Free resource
Want help with LIDP? Download our free guide.
Our LIDP checklist will help you navigate the complexities that will assist you with successful completion.
Thank you for submitting the form. Window will open the PDF link now, click the button below if it doesn't.
Download resourceWith the expansion of Victoria’s Recycled First Policy across all government projects from 1 July 2024, builders are now expected to demonstrate how they will embed circular economy principles into project delivery.
At Sedo Group, we are increasingly seeing these requirements come through across our workstreams, particularly on projects led by the Victorian Infrastructure Delivery Authority. While the policy was initially focused on road and rail infrastructure, it now extends to buildings, operations, and maintenance, marking a significant shift in how sustainable procurement and social procurement are applied across government.
However, a common misconception remains.
The Recycled First Policy is not about your organisation’s internal recycling practices. It is about what you procure and how you prioritise recycled content in the materials and products used to deliver projects.
At its core, the policy is designed to increase demand for recycled materials, reduce reliance on virgin resources, and accelerate Victoria’s transition to a circular economy.
Key Questions to Guide Your Recycled First Policy Response
To support builders in responding effectively and competitively, we recommend starting with the following guiding questions.
Where can recycled content be used in this project?
A strong sustainable procurement approach begins with identifying where recycled content can replace virgin materials across the project lifecycle.
This includes:
- Design and specification phases
- Material selection
- Construction methodologies
Common applications include crushed concrete, reclaimed asphalt, glass fines, and steel, provided they meet approved standards and specifications.
How to approach this:
- Review technical specifications and type-approved products
- Engage early with design teams and engineers
- Map opportunities for recycled content across all work packages
What recycled content products are available?
Understanding the market is critical to delivering on circular economy and social procurement objectives.
The Buy Recycled Directory is a valuable starting point, offering a centralised database of suppliers providing products with recycled content.
However, it is essential to cross-reference any product with:
- Project specifications
- Approved product lists
- Relevant Australian Standards
How to approach this:
- Identify suitable products through the Buy Recycled Directory
- Validate against project and technical requirements
- Engage suppliers early to confirm availability, compliance, and volumes
How will you optimise the use of recycled content?
The Recycled First Policy requires builders to demonstrate how they will optimise, not just include, recycled materials in their projects.
This is a key differentiator in competitive tenders and a core component of effective sustainable procurement.
How to approach this:
- Set clear recycled content targets aligned to project scope
- Provide justification where recycled options are not feasible
- Develop a comprehensive Recycled First Plan outlining your methodology for procuring products with recycled content.
How will you track and report recycled content?
Reporting is a core requirement of the Recycled First Policy and supports transparency across the circular economy supply chain.
Builders must capture and report on the types and volumes of recycled materials used throughout delivery.
How to approach this:
- Establish data tracking processes early
- Collaborate with subcontractors and suppliers to gather accurate material data
- Align reporting with contractual and government requirements.
Where can you innovate in recycled content use?
Innovation is a key driver of both the Recycled First Policy and broader social procurement outcomes.
Builders are encouraged to explore new or emerging materials and trial innovative applications that increase recycled content use.
How to approach this:
- Identify opportunities for alternative materials or new applications
- Engage with suppliers and industry partners
- Propose trials supported by evidence and risk management strategies
Conclusion: Turning Policy into Practical Outcomes
The Recycled First Policy represents a significant step forward in embedding circular economy principles into government procurement. For builders, it presents an opportunity to move beyond compliance and demonstrate leadership in sustainable procurement and social procurement.
At Sedo Group, we have supported clients across infrastructure, construction, and ICT to optimise their Recycled First Policy responses. This includes developing practical, compliant, and competitive Recycled First Plans that align with project specifications while maximising the use of recycled content.
Our experience shows that successful delivery is grounded in early planning, strong supply chain engagement, and a clear understanding of how to balance commercial realities with policy expectations.
Builders who take a strategic and informed approach will be well positioned to meet requirements, strengthen their market position, and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient industry.
How Sedo Group can help
If you are preparing a tender or looking to strengthen your approach to the Recycled First Policy, Sedo Group’s construction and infrastructure procurement team can support you to:
- Identify practical opportunities to increase recycled content
- Navigate specifications and approved product requirements
- Develop clear, compliant, and competitive Recycled First Plans
- Align your approach with broader circular economy, social procurement, and sustainable procurement objectives.
Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can support your next project and help you deliver meaningful impact through procurement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Recycled First Policy in Victoria?
The Recycled First Policy requires builders delivering government projects in Victoria to prioritise the use of recycled materials over virgin resources where feasible. It aims to increase demand for recycled content and support the transition to a circular economy.
Does the Recycled First Policy apply to all construction projects?
The policy now applies across a broader range of government projects, including buildings, infrastructure, operations, and maintenance. It is no longer limited to road and rail, making it a key requirement for most public sector construction tenders.
What does “recycled content” mean in construction procurement?
Recycled content refers to materials that have been recovered and reused in new construction products, such as crushed concrete, reclaimed asphalt, glass fines, and recycled steel. These must still meet project specifications and relevant Australian Standards.
How do you demonstrate compliance with the Recycled First Policy in a tender?
To demonstrate compliance, builders need to outline where recycled materials will be used, justify decisions, and provide a clear Recycled First Plan. This includes targets, supplier engagement, and reporting processes aligned with project requirements.
What is a Recycled First Plan and why is it important?
A Recycled First Plan sets out how a project will prioritise, optimise, and track the use of recycled materials. It is a critical document in government tenders, helping evaluators assess your commitment to sustainable procurement and circular economy outcomes.
How can builders identify suitable recycled materials for a project?
Builders can start by reviewing project specifications and using tools like the Buy Recycled Directory to identify compliant products. Early engagement with designers, engineers, and suppliers is essential to confirm feasibility and availability.
What are the biggest challenges in meeting Recycled First requirements?
Common challenges include limited supplier availability, uncertainty around product compliance, and integrating recycled materials into existing designs. These can be addressed through early planning, supplier engagement, and a structured procurement approach.
How is recycled content tracked and reported on government projects?
Builders are required to track the type and volume of recycled materials used throughout the project lifecycle. This is tracked through a recycled first plan reporting template and working closely with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure accurate reporting.
How can recycled content improve tender competitiveness?
A strong approach to recycled content demonstrates alignment with government policy, sustainability goals, and social procurement outcomes. This can strengthen evaluation scores and position your business as a forward-thinking and compliant supplier.
What is the link between the Recycled First Policy and social procurement?
Both policies aim to deliver broader community outcomes through procurement. While Recycled First focuses on environmental impact, it complements social procurement by contributing to sustainable supply chains and long-term economic value.
How can builders innovate under the Recycled First Policy?
Innovation may include trialling new recycled materials, exploring alternative applications, or partnering with suppliers to develop new solutions. Proposals supported by evidence and risk management strategies can strengthen both compliance and competitive advantage.
When should builders start planning for Recycled First requirements?
Planning should begin as early as possible, ideally during the design and specification phase. Early integration allows for better material selection, supplier engagement, and alignment with project and policy requirements.