Future direction for Wagga’s waste practices

Released August 8 2016

Waste practices in the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area and future uses of the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre (GWMC) will be the focus of a new waste management strategy and site plan.

Findings from the strategy and plan will be used to inform the new Wagga Wagga Local Government Area Kerbside Waste Management contract next year.

The City of Wagga Wagga will engage a preferred waste expert to compile the strategies.  

"Before entering into another long-term contract it is important the future use and management of the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre is clearly defined and evaluation of best-practice and sustainable waste options are fully explored," Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Rod Kendall said.

"There is a strong state-wide push to divert waste from landfill and it is becoming far less acceptable to continue to rely on landfill cells, like we have in the past."

The waste strategy will look at Wagga's current waste streams, volumes and diversion rates to landfill, and forecast what these might look like in the future. It will also include options for community education programs, possible new pricing structures and incentives for recycling and waste reduction going forward.

The site plan will focus on the future strategic direction of the GWMC, factoring in the Gregadoo Tip Shop, locations for a mixed waste processing system and options for organic waste processing.

The City of Wagga Wagga's current waste contract with Suez Recycling and Recovery is due to expire in April 2017. A six-month variance on this contract, to allow time for the strategic plans to be carried out, was approved by Council at Monday night's Supplementary Meeting.

Findings and recommendations put forward by the waste specialist will be used to inform the new 2017 kerbside contract.Community feedback from the Tipping Point survey conducted by The City of Wagga Wagga last year will also be considered in the new contract.