Changes to NABERS Waste

News | 02 Jul 2026

NABERS has updated the Waste rating tool - shaped by input from more than 100 industry stakeholders over six months of consultation.

Following the consultation period, NABERS has taken steps to make the tool more robust, transparent and aligned with industry needs. The changes include a new approach to dry waste, a stronger focus on higher-quality recycling outcomes, the introduction of a Material Circularity Indicator, and enhanced reporting.

The update will apply to all NABERS Waste ratings with rating periods starting on or after 1 July 2025.

 

What’s changing?

1. Updating the treatment of dry waste in the calculations

Energy from waste plays an important role in calculating waste ratings, but it’s not the same as recycling materials back into use. New ratings will treat dry waste differently. This means that dry general waste will:

  • no longer categorised as recycling
  • move to the disposal category for calculation purposes
  • sit between landfill and recycling in the waste hierarchy. It remains a better outcome than landfill, but the rating now reflects that nuance.

2. Doubling the Material Recovery Score (MRS) weighting  

The NABERS Waste rating now places a greater emphasis on the quality of recycling and recovery, not just total diversion. This means more recognition for high-quality recycling and recovery.  

The Material Circularity Indicator is a new addition to the certificate. It provides a clearer picture of how well a building supports the circular economy. The Indicator is a percentage value that considers:

  • the circularity of recovery processes
  • the traceability of the value chain
  • the quality of associated data.

3. Embedding circularity metrics in reports and certificates

Rated buildings will receive an enhanced report that aligns to the standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). It also provides clearer insights into how circular waste outcomes really are, not just how much is diverted.

Why it matters

These changes respond directly to industry feedback and go beyond a simple rating update. They will provide clearer insights for building owners and managers, encourage better on-site waste separation, and support stronger circular economy practices across the built environment. 

These updates make NABERS Waste a more accurate reflection of real recycling outcomes, helping drive better circular economy performance across buildings.

Magali Wardles, Acting Director at NABERS
Magali Wardle
Acting Director, NABERS