Wagga Wagga City Council has officially joined the Halve Waste program, marking an exciting milestone for the region as we work together to reduce landfill and support a circular economy.
With Wagga Wagga now part of the Halve Waste community, 18 councils across the Riverina and Murray regions are collaborating to drive better waste outcomes for residents and businesses alike.
Halve Waste began in 2010 as a regional campaign to help communities recycle more, send less to landfill, and make the most of local waste and recycling services.
Originally launched by six councils, the program has reached its first big target of cutting landfill waste by 50 per cent and is now focused on an even more ambitious goal: diverting 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.
Wagga Wagga's inclusion in the program means tailored education and local initiatives will soon roll out across the city, supported by staff training, dedicated content on the Halve Waste website and a region-specific media campaign to help households and businesses make the most of recycling and waste services.
Mayor of the City of Wagga Wagga Councillor Dallas Tout welcomed the partnership and supports the education it will provide to residents.
"As a Council we are committed to significantly reducing the amount of waste going to landfill, and part of this requires our residents to undertake correct waste sorting in the home and workplace," Cr Tout said.
"Wagga Wagga City Council's involvement in the Halve Waste program will assist in educating residents on how to correctly sort their waste into our three-bin system.
"It will also aim to educate about recycling and reusing products, about the correct disposal of hazardous materials, and why we as a community need to work together to reduce waste."
By joining Halve Waste, Wagga Wagga is helping to:
- Strengthen efforts to meet NSW waste diversion targets
- Maximise the recovery of valuable resources from kerbside collections
- Reduce harmful methane emissions from landfill
- Deliver consistent waste education across neighbouring council areas
Halve Waste's Program Coordinator Rebecca Randall said this partnership between Wagga Wagga City Council and Halve Waste reflects the strength of the Riverina when communities work together on shared environmental goals.
"Wagga Wagga's involvement represents a major step in building consistent, region-wide waste education and improving recycling outcomes for all," Ms Randall said.
"The impact of Halve Waste keeps growing thanks to the commitment of councils like Wagga Wagga and its residents.
"Together, we're creating more resourceful, sustainable communities – one bin at a time."
