Victoria's new Circular Economy Risk, Consequence and Contingency (CERCC) Plan 2025 is a government framework and a practical guide for businesses to stay resilient when disruptions occur. By understanding the potential risks to recycling and waste systems, businesses can better protect their operations, reduce downtime, and demonstrate leadership in sustainability.  

 

The Circular Economy Risk, Consequence and Contingency (CERCC) Plan 2025, a framework designed to keep recycling and waste systems running smoothly, even during disruptions. Managed by Recycling Victoria, the plan identifies risks, outlines possible impacts, and sets out practical steps to strengthen the resilience of essential services.

For businesses, the CERCC Plan brings greater accountability. Organisations defined as responsible entities must create their own risk and contingency strategies, known as RERCC Plans, and lodge them annually. These strategies ensure that when challenges arise, such as supply shortages or service breakdowns, companies are prepared to adapt quickly and minimise disruption.

This initiative is a key part of Victoria’s push toward a stronger circular economy, ensuring sustainability goes hand-in-hand with reliability. For business owners, aligning with the CERCC Plan isn’t just about compliance, it’s also about future-proofing operations and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable state.

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Key Takeaways for Businesses:

 

• Annual Planning Required: Responsible entities must prepare and submit a RERCC Plan each year.

• Risk Management Focus: Plans should detail how organisations will respond to potential service disruptions.

• Supports Circular Economy: Builds resilience into recycling and resource recovery systems.

• Business Advantage: Being prepared helps protect operations and demonstrates commitment to sustainability.