The Waste and Recycling Industry of Queensland (WRIQ) is the unified voice of waste management, recycling and resource recovery in the State.
Representing more than 90 Queensland-based organisations ranging from multi-nationals through to small family owned and operated businesses, WRIQ engages in a broad range of state-specific issues of strategic importance to the sustainability and development of the sector.
WRIQ represents all aspects of the sector including major landfills, transfer stations, resource recovery facilities (including advanced manufacturing), sustainable and firming power facilities, and collection services.
For more than a decade, WRIQ has earned a reputation as a leader in sectoral policy development and driving change to improve the operating environment for Queensland’s waste management, recycling and resource recovery sectors. Recognised as a non-partisan organisation that works effectively with all levels of government, WRIQ is acknowledged as an influential and respected advocacy group in Queensland.
OUR VALUES
Leadership & Expertise
We are Queensland’s leading association for the sector, ensuring member organisations are well informed on issues of strategic importance to both the sector and their businesses.
Collaboration
Through collaboration and partnerships, we work to deliver positive outcomes for our members.
Sustainability
We want a Sustainable Queensland, including economic sustainability through levy and market support.
Fairness and Equity
in how we work with our stakeholders and government, and we recognise and embrace diversity and inclusion while promoting cooperation across the WRIQ membership.
Culture
We foster a culture which recognises that sustainable natural resource management and social justice are an integral part of robust business management.
WRIQ’s MISSION
WRIQ’s mission is to elevate the waste management, recycling and resource recovery sectors through services, education and advocacy for members to achieve successful economic, social, environmental and governance outcomes. By being a member of WRIQ, you are supporting a strong and united advocacy voice.
Advocate
We develop leading positions and solutions on issues of concern to the advancement and sustainability of Queensland’s waste management and resource recovery sectors and we work closely with government and other key stakeholders.
Inform
We publish discussion papers, research papers, project reports, safety guides and deliver expert events to assist the sector and other stakeholders understand key issues, technical advancements, and innovation opportunities. We also undertake projects that deliver practice improvements and technology adoption across our members’ sites. These projects also contribute data and key findings that inform our advocacy.
Campaign
We promote our members and raise the profile of the industry with the media and amongst broader stakeholders to achieve a greater level of understanding about industry management practices; and communicate the significant contribution of the waste management, recycling and resource recovery sectors to the Queensland economy, communities and the environment.
Connect
We bring together Queensland’s waste management and resource recovery sectors on a range of Working Groups that deal with current issues and find solutions to complex problems. We facilitate knowledge exchange and networking opportunities for our members through a range of formal and informal networking and conference events. WRIQ Working Groups are Landfill; Organics; Metals, Training, Workforce and Safety; and Recovery, Markets and Procurement.
WRIQ EXECUTIVE TEAM
GOVERNANCE
The Waste Recycling Industry Association (Qld) Ltd (WRIQ) is a public company limited by guarantee, established to represent and advance the waste and recycling industry in Queensland. The Association was originally formed in 2007 as the Waste Contractors and Recyclers Association of Queensland Inc, and was rebranded in 2012 as WRIQ. In 2024–25, WRIQ transitioned from an incorporated association to a company limited by guarantee to support contemporary governance, transparency and accountability arrangements consistent with the scale and complexity of the organisation’s activities
WRIQ operates as a not-for-profit entity. Its income and property are applied solely towards advancing the purpose of the company and may not be distributed to members, except as permitted under the Corporations Act.
The purpose of WRIQ is to advance the waste recycling industry in Queensland. In pursuing this purpose, WRIQ advocates for appropriate public policy, promotes the industry and its contribution to the state, supports workforce development and skills, facilitates collaboration across industry and government, and undertakes activities incidental or conducive to achieving these outcomes
Governance framework
WRIQ is governed by a board of directors responsible for the strategic direction, financial oversight and overall management of the company in accordance with the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and the Association’s constitution. Directors are elected by members or appointed by the board based on skills and experience, with a focus on ensuring balanced representation across industry sectors, membership categories and regional Queensland
The board may establish committees, advisory groups and working groups to support its functions and to draw on specialist expertise across the industry. All directors are subject to duties at law, including duties to act in good faith, in the best interests of the company, and to manage conflicts of interest appropriately.
Membership and accountability
WRIQ’s members are corporate entities operating within or servicing the waste and recycling industry. Members exercise their rights through general meetings, including voting on director elections and key constitutional matters. Each member’s liability is limited to a nominal guarantee amount in the event of winding up, reflecting the company’s status as a company limited by guarantee
The Association’s constitution sets out clear provisions relating to membership, governance, financial management, meetings, director responsibilities and amendment processes, providing a robust and transparent framework for the ongoing operation of WRIQ.
