Monique Retamal

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March 5, 2025

Australians generate mountains of waste, and we need more help to recycle and reuse it

Melita Jazbec, University of Technology Sydney; Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney; Nick Florin, University of Technology Sydney, and Stuart White, University of Technology Sydney

A new Productivity Commission report finds regulations and costs are slowing Australia’s progress in becoming a circular economy.

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April 12, 2022

To make our wardrobes sustainable, we must cut how many new clothes we buy by 75%

Samantha Sharpe, University of Technology Sydney; Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney, and Taylor Brydges, University of Technology Sydney

The environmental footprint of the fashion industry is rising rapidly. Drastic changes are needed to make the sector more sustainable and equitable.

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March 2, 2021

Think all your plastic is being recycled? New research shows it can end up in the ocean

Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney; Elsa Dominish, University of Technology Sydney; Nick Florin, University of Technology Sydney, and Rachael Wakefield-Rann, University of Technology Sydney

Some plastic sent overseas for recycling ends up as pollution, or goes up in toxic smoke. But there are steps we can take to ensure our waste is processed as intended.

Migrant workers break apart blocks of pressed plastic bottles at a recycling plant in Thailand. EPA/DIEGO AZUBEL

January 29, 2019

Here’s what happens to our plastic recycling when it goes offshore

Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney; Elsa Dominish, University of Technology Sydney; Le Xuan Thinh; Nguyen, Anh Tuan, and Samantha Sharpe, University of Technology Sydney

Since China stopped accepting Australia’s recyclable plastic, the majority of exported plastic waste is now going to developing nations in South East Asia.

Sydney’s experience suggests that having separate bins for paper and bottles leads to better recycling. AAP Image/Tracy Nearmy

May 7, 2018

A crisis too big to waste: China’s recycling ban calls for a long‑term rethink in Australia

Monique Retamal, University of Technology Sydney; Elsa Dominish, University of Technology Sydney; Jennifer Macklin (Downes), University of Technology Sydney, and Nick Florin, University of Technology Sydney

Both short- and long-term solutions are needed to solve Australia’s recycling crisis. State and federal ministers are pursuing some promising avenues, but they need to cast the net much wider.

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Australians generate mountains of waste, and we need more help to recycle and reuse it

To make our wardrobes sustainable, we must cut how many new clothes we buy by 75%

Think all your plastic is being recycled? New research shows it can end up in the ocean

Here’s what happens to our plastic recycling when it goes offshore

A crisis too big to waste: China’s recycling ban calls for a long‑term rethink in Australia

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