The Local Government Association of South Australia said the report reveals the immense amount of resources that the State's Local Governments have channelled into best practices waste management and recycling.

The UN report states that: “South Australia has demonstrated a high level of political commitment and willingness to ‘stick its neck out’ and implement some policies and legislation upon which other administration take a more conservative position.”

Examples of this include the Zero Waste Act, a State Government organisation introduced in South Australia in 2004, which enables people to improve their recycling and waste avoidance practices.

Local Government Association of South Australia President, Mayor Kym McHugh said: “To achieve such international recognition, which points to the tremendous work of councils to manage waste, is well deserved praise for all involved in waste management for our communities.”