Build Your Future in Queensland’s Waste & Recycling Sector
Free industry-endorsed training to help you enter, upskill, or strengthen your capability in an essential industry
The Waste Recycling Academy of Queensland is an initiative of WRIQ – proving quality training for industry, for industry.
Why These Credentials Matter
Industry has consistently endorsed the need for practical, consistent training that lifts standards across the whole sector.
While many larger organisations already have strong internal training, there is clear value in accessible, industry-endorsed courses that set a common baseline for everyone – including smaller operators, contractors and new entrants.
These micro-credentials are designed to provide that shared foundation across safety, compliance, transport and resource recovery. They support safer worksites, stronger environmental responsibility, and better operational outcomes across the Queensland waste and recycling system.
Queensland-specific focus
Content reflects the local operating environment, expectations and realities on the ground.
Designed by industry, for industry
Strengthen capability across the whole workforce.
Who Should Enrol?
This training is for you if you’re:
New to the waste, recycling and resource recovery sector and want to understand the landscape and succeed early
Exploring or starting a business in this space (including circular economy and resource recovery start-ups) who need background context to set up for success
Staff in councils, operators, recyclers and contractors who need a consistent baseline across teams and sites
Drivers, logistics teams and supervisors involved in waste transport and site access
In support roles who engage with the sector (admin, customer service, procurement, HR, communications)
From adjacent industries and contractors who need site-ready baseline knowledge before entering facilities (maintenance, construction, transport, infrastructure services)
What You’ll Gain
A clear, practical understanding of how the Queensland waste and recycling sector works end-to-end
Confidence with baseline safety expectations and the responsibilities that come with operating in an essential service
Stronger awareness of environmental responsibilities and compliance basics relevant to the sector
Practical knowledge that supports safer decisions in operational and transport settings
A foundation in circular economy thinking and how it connects to real operational improvements and business opportunities
Industry-endorsed micro-credentials you can use as evidence of training and professional development
Choose Your Micro-Credential
Introduction to Waste and Recycling
A foundational course covering how the waste and recycling sector operates, the regulatory setting, circular economy basics and environmental responsibilities. Best suited to new entrants and organisations engaging with the sector.
Waste and Recycling Green Card
An industry-endorsed baseline safety induction designed to be completed prior to entering waste and recycling sites. Applicable across the workforce and relevant to adjacent industries.
Waste and Recycling Driver Training
Targeted driver training covering safe waste transport, compliance and essential industry knowledge. For drivers and those in logistics and transport.
Circular Economy Training
A practical course on applying circular economy principles in business and operations. Relevant to councils, operators and organisations looking to improve resource efficiency and sustainability outcomes.
Enrol Your Team
Free During the Pilot
Your people are your most important asset. These micro-credentials provide practical, industry-endorsed training that strengthens safety, lifts capability, and builds a consistent baseline across your workforce.
Why enrol your team?
Whether you’re onboarding new staff, upskilling existing team members, or standardising knowledge across multiple sites, these courses work across roles and experience levels – and enrolments are free during the pilot.
What’s in it for your organisation?
Consistent training baseline across your entire workforce
Industry-endorsed credentials for professional development
Practical knowledge that supports safer decisions and stronger compliance
Practical knowledge that supports safer decisions in operational and transport settings
Flexible, self-paced online learning that fits around shifts and operations
Unlimited team enrolments — no cap on how many staff you register
How to Pre-enrol
Share the pre-enrolment link with your team and encourage them to register. When the courses go live, they’ll be notified and can start their training immediately. Places are limited and allocated first in, best dressed.
After the pilot, micro-credentials will be $250 per person. Enrol now for free access.
1. What is this training program?
This program is a set of four industry-endorsed micro-credentials designed to lift capability and consistency across Queensland’s waste and recycling sector. Together, they provide practical, accessible training that sets a common baseline for workers, contractors, councils, operators, and new entrants, including people looking to start a business in the sector (such as a circular economy start-up).
2. Why were these four micro-credentials developed?
Industry has consistently identified the need for practical, consistent training that lifts standards across the whole sector. While many larger organisations already have strong internal training, there is real value in accessible, industry-endorsed courses that establish a shared baseline for all operators, including smaller businesses and new entrants. These four micro-credentials were developed to provide that foundation across sector understanding, site readiness, transport, and circular economy practice.
3. Is this training suitable for beginners?
Yes. The micro-credentials are designed to be accessible for beginners and people new to the sector. They provide the background context and foundational knowledge needed to understand how the sector works in Queensland and support early success on the job or when entering the industry
4. Is this training relevant for experienced professionals?
Yes. Even experienced professionals can benefit from a consistent baseline that supports site readiness, shared terminology, and aligned expectations across organisations, contractors, and roles. The circular economy micro-credential is also particularly relevant for people looking to strengthen resource efficiency and sustainability outcomes in business and operations
5. Is the content specific to the Queensland waste sector?
Yes. The content is Queensland-specific and reflects the local operating environment, regulatory context, and industry expectations.
6. How is the training delivered?
The training is delivered online as interactive, self-paced micro-credentials. It uses a multimedia mix of video, audio, written content, and knowledge checks. The content is segmented so learners can complete short sections, log out, and return later.
7. Do I need to complete the micro-credentials in order
No. There are no prerequisites. Learners can enrol in one micro-credential or all four, and complete them in any order
8. How long does each micro-credential take?
Each micro-credential takes around 3 hours, plus time to complete the assessment. There are short knowledge checks throughout and a final assessment at the end of each micro-credential.
9. When does the pilot run?
Pilot enrolments open on 1 April and will close once all places have been filled (limited spots, first in best dressed).
The pilot course is open from 1 June (course opens) to 30 June (course closes). Learners have four weeks to complete their chosen micro-credential(s) within this window.
10. What is the difference between the pilot program and the course after the pilot?
During the pilot:
- The micro-credentials are free
- Enrolments are limited and will close once the maximum number has been reached (first in, best dressed)
- Learners may be asked to complete a short feedback survey to help improve the training
After the pilot:
- The micro-credentials will be available as self-serve, instant access on enrolment
- There will be no set enrolment period or completion timeframe
- The cost will be $250 per micro-credential
11. Can multiple staff from the same organisation enrol?
Yes. Multiple staff from the same organisation can enrol
12. Who are these micro-credentials suitable for?
They are suitable for councils and local government, operators, small to medium businesses, contractors, and individuals interested in entering the waste and recycling industry. They are also relevant for consultants working in the Queensland jurisdiction who need Queensland-specific sector training. The micro-credentials can be used as part of staff induction and onboarding.
13. Can the training be customised for my organisation?
No. The micro-credentials are designed as industry-endorsed courses that provide a consistent baseline and cannot be customised for individual organisations.
14. What happens after I complete a micro-credential?
Once you complete the course content and pass the assessment requirements, you will be marked as complete and issued a digital certificate for that micro-credential.
15. Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. A digital certificate is issued for each micro-credential on successful completion. The certificate includes the micro-credential title and completion date.
16. What platform is the training delivered on?
The training is delivered via LearnDash, the learning management system hosted on the WRAQ website. You access it through a web browser login.
17. Do I need to download any software?
No. You don’t need to download any software. The training is accessed through a standard web browser.
18. Can I complete the training on my phone or tablet?
Yes. The training can be completed on mobile or tablet, as well as on a computer.
19. What should I do if I experience technical issues?
If you experience technical issues, check your internet connection and try using a modern browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari). If the issue continues, contact Member Services via memberservices@wriq.com.au for assistance.
20. Will the content be updated over time?
Yes. The content will be updated over time as regulation, guidance, and best practice change.
21. Will pilot participants be asked for feedback?
Yes. Learners in the pilot may be contacted to provide feedback via a short survey. This feedback will be used to refine and improve the training before it is released more broadly.
22. If I missed out on the pilot course, when will I be able to enrol in the paid version?
The pilot course is a limited time offer to undertake this training for free. After this, the paid course will be open for enrolment by the end of the year.
Backed by Queensland’s Industry Peak Body
WRIQ represents more than 90 Queensland-based organisations, ranging from multinational operators to small, family-owned businesses that deliver essential services to every community in the State.
Our members manage 97% of Queensland’s waste collections, support 16,000 jobs, contribute $2.7 billion to Gross State Product, and operate $3.8 billion in essential infrastructure across Queensland.
Pre-enrol now and we’ll notify you as soon as the courses go live.
Waste Recycling Training for Industry by Industry
WRAQ powered by WRIQ
Questions? Contact Member Services via memberservices@wriq.com.au or phone 07 3067 3315.