About us - PNEB - Newspaper and Magazine Recycling

Our Objectives

The PNEB’s objective is to promote newspapers and magazines as sustainable resources, which - if recycled properly - can be used again and again.

Its formation was prompted by a change in community attitudes to the environment in the early 1990’s. Part of this increased environmental awareness was a recognition that resources are finite - if we are to pass the planet on to our children in good shape then we had better do something now.

In the case of the print media, recycling old newspapers, magazines and other printed material became a concept that was widely supported. It became important to recycle used paper and not let this valuable resource go to waste.

The PNEB has been able to help lift Australia's newspaper recycling rate from 28% in 1990 to 75.4% in 2005 – the best in the world.

Percent Recycling Rate for Newsprint in Australia 1988 - 2003

International Recycling Rates USA vs Australia

We are on target to meet our current objective of achieving a world’s best recycling rate of 76% by the end of 2010. To do this we will continue to work with our strategic partners and community leaders to raise awareness and facilitate action in the area of recycling.

In more recent times the PNEB has expanded its mission to also address broader issues of sustainability, including natural resource management, cleaner production techniques and product stewardship.