Rethinking waste for a more sustainable future

Reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill by 68,000 tonnes each year and the amount of waste generated per person by 20 per cent are just some of the targets set out in the City of Whittlesea’s Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030.

The plan features 34 actions to be implemented over the next 10 years and will be used as a guide to Council’s waste management and resource recovery services for the community.

Chair Administrator Ms Lydia Wilson described the new approach to managing waste across the City of Whittlesea as visionary.

“The Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030 responds to changes in community expectations, the waste and recycling industry, and government policy directions,” she said.

“It also looks at the big picture in terms of international best practice and trends in waste and resource recovery.

“Written and presented in a clear and simplified way that is easy to understand, this plan considers our demographics and growth projections and sets clear targets that we can measure and report against.”

In developing the Rethinking Waste Plan, Council engaged extensively with community and industry via surveys, face to face discussions, focus groups and discussions with emerging leaders and school children.

“Our breadth of engagement generated some amazing ideas and feedback and I would like to thank everyone who contributed,” Ms Wilson said.

“While the plan does set out some ambitious targets, we are confident that by working together with our community we will be able to implement new and innovative approaches to minimise the impact of waste on our environment.”

Key actions within the Re-thinking Waste Plan include:

• Introducing a residential glass recycling service by 2023
• Providing rebates for reusable nappies, sanitary products and composting tools
• Rolling out community recycling stations at all Council facilities
• Extending the food and garden waste service municipal wide by 2024
• Continue to advocate for reduced consumer packaging
• Support local businesses to minimise waste, use recycled materials in manufacturing and encourage local partnerships
• Providing ongoing community education programs on waste avoidance and resource recovery.  

Council is also introducing mandatory waste avoidance, sustainable procurement and resource recovery at all Council facilities.

Find out more about the Rethinking Waste Plan 2021-2030.