Australia has a fashion problem — not just on the runways, but in our landfills. With the average Australian buying 56 new clothing items every year, it’s no surprise that over 200,000 tonnes of textiles end up in landfill annually. Researchers from QUT are warning that unless we address the root causes — overproduction and overconsumption — these waste mountains will only grow taller.
According to Professors Rowena Maguire, Director, QUT Centre for Justice and Amanda Kennedy from School of Law, Australia’s love affair with fast fashion is fueling an environmental and human rights crisis. Most of our clothes are made from synthetic fibres that release microplastics into the environment and take decades to break down. Worse still, many unwanted garments are shipped to developing nations, often ending up in their landfills too.
“Our wardrobes are overflowing — we already have enough clothing in circulation to last 100 years,” said Professor Maguire. “Yet the fashion industry continues to churn out low-cost garments at breakneck speed, often under questionable labour conditions.”
In contrast to countries like France, which plans to introduce an “ultra-fast fashion” tax of about $16 per item, Australia’s regulations remain weak. A voluntary initiative known as Seamless has introduced a 4-cent levy on new clothing to fund recycling and circular fashion strategies. However, the scheme has limited industry participation — with major fast fashion players like Temu and Shein notably absent.
The QUT study also highlights a deeper issue: much of the sector still sees waste as something to manage after it’s created, rather than preventing it through better design, reduced production, or more sustainable consumption.
“A true circular economy isn’t just about recycling better — it’s about valuing resources differently,” said Professor Kennedy. “It means shifting away from throwaway culture and towards a system that preserves materials and minimises waste from the outset.”
With mounting environmental pressure and international examples paving the way, the message is clear: Australia can no longer afford to be a fashion hoarder. A shift in mindset — from consumers, brands, and policymakers alike — is not just necessary, but urgent.
Read more about the research here,
Read the full publication titled, “Regulating the ‘Trouble’ of Used Textiles: Insights from Australia” written by Rowena Maguire, Alice Payne (RMIT), Amanda Kennedy and Annastasia Bousgas published in Environmental and Planning Law Journal, 41(2), pp. 108-127.
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