Broome's recycling efforts receive a boost

Published on 13 November 2026

As National Recycling Week comes to an end, Broome's recycling efforts have received a significant boost.

Major upgrades to the Cleanaway Material Recovery Facility (MRF) are now complete and are expected to increase the recovery rate of recyclable material from around 40-45 per cent to as much as 76 per cent.

Recyclable materials collected in Broome are sorted and baled locally before being transported to Perth for further processing through a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery Facility.

Using advanced screening technology, optical sorters, magnets, eddy current separators and manual quality control, the facility separates recyclable materials into high-purity streams that can be used in the manufacture of new products.

This process helps maximise the recovery of valuable resources, reduces contamination and ensures more recyclable material is diverted from landfill.

The upgrades were made possible through a contract variation endorsed by Council earlier this year and represent a significant commitment to improving recycling outcomes for the Broome community.

Shire of Broome President Chris Mitchell said the upgrades would help Broome recover more of what residents put in their recycling bins.

"These upgrades mean more of what goes into our yellow-lid bins can be recycled and kept out of landfill,” he said.

"Broome households have a part to play too.

“Taking a moment to check what belongs in your yellow-lid bin helps make sure more of what we collect can be recycled.”

Residents can help maximise the benefits of these upgrades by ensuring only accepted recyclable items are placed in their yellow-lid recycling bin, including clean cardboard, paper, plastic bottles and containers, glass bottles and jars, and aluminium and steel cans.

For an even greater benefit, residents are encouraged to return eligible containers through the Containers for Change program.

In addition to supporting recycling and reducing litter, participants receive a 10-cent refund for every eligible container returned.

These upgrades represent a significant step forward for resource recovery in Broome. By continuing to recycle correctly and reducing contamination, residents can play an important role in helping more valuable materials be recovered, recycled and turned into new products, supporting a more sustainable future for the Kimberley.