Council has installed new portable staff pods at its seven rural transfer stations, as it undertakes changes to improve the facilities, working conditions, and services for residents across the Wagga Wagga Local Government Area.
In 2025, Council's waste team undertook community consultation out in the rural areas of the municipality, which identified that upgrades needed to occur to improve working conditions and services at our rural transfer stations.
The new portable staff pods are located at the Collingullie, Currawarna, Galore, Humula, Mangoplah, Tarcutta, and Uranquinty rural transfer stations.
Resource Recovery Facilities Manager Andrea Baldwin says the addition of these pods is a positive step for our staff and residents of these rural communities.
"The portable structures provide transfer station attendants with a modern, comfortable workspace equipped with heating and cooling, ensuring they can work safely and efficiently throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions," Ms Baldwin said.
"The pods are part of a series of changes we are rolling out to improve and expand the free resource recovery and recycling services offered at our rural transfer stations.
"We recently introduced Textile Recycling drop-off collection points at the stations and Council's Gregadoo Waste Management Centre, to help residents keep unwanted clothing, shoes and household textiles out of landfill.
"And there are more changes to come! We are planning to introduce metal and steel recovery and DrumMUSTER services at these stations in the near future.
"The new pods and additional recycling opportunities demonstrate Council's ongoing commitment to improving rural waste services, supporting local communities, and increasing resource recovery across the region.
"These improvements will ensure our rural residents and local businesses have access to modern, accessible facilities close to home for responsible disposal of recyclable materials while helping build a stronger circular economy."
Community members can now drop off a wider range of recyclable materials, making it easier than ever to divert valuable resources from landfill.
Items currently accepted free-of-charge include co-mingled household recyclables such as paper, cardboard, plastic containers, steel cans, and glass bottles and jars, along with soft plastics, styrofoam (polystyrene), polyweave bags, textiles and clothing (excluding pillows and doonas).
"We encourage all residents to take advantage of these free services when visiting their local transfer station," Ms Baldwin said.
"By separating recyclable materials and making use of the growing range of recovery streams, the community can play an important role in supporting a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future."
