Towards zero waste

Council provides residential, commercial and public place waste services. To minimise waste generation, reduce landfill and increase resource recovery, Council has adopted a Resource Recovery and Waste Strategy, which details how residents, businesses and the community can work together to become a zero-waste community.

A trial of food organics and garden organics (FOGO) collection commenced in 2024. Find out more about the FOGO trial.

The cost of waste

The environmental cost of waste in NSW includes soil and water contamination from landfills, increased greenhouse gas emissions (especially methane from organic waste), harm to plants and animals from pollution and litter, and the loss of valuable natural resources when materials are not reused or recycled.

In addition, providing waste services is the biggest financial expense of all the functions or activities Council facilitates, costing ratepayers over $22m in the year 2022/23 alone (Financial Statements, page 16).

Combined Council and resident action is critical to reduce waste. Explore how to contribute below.