Port Macquarie Hastings Council has received $43,890 in funding from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to deliver a pilot series of Drive Thru and Drop Off - Reuse and Recycling Events.
The funding has been provided through the NSW Government's Local Government Waste Solutions Fund, which supports councils to deliver innovative waste and recycling initiatives that help reduce waste and support a circular economy.
The pilot will involve four free weekend events where residents can drop off unwanted household items for reuse, repair or recycling using a drive‑through model. Items are unloaded directly from vehicle boots by Council staff and partner organisations.
The events help overcome common barriers to reuse and recycling, such as difficulty accessing charity shops during opening hours and uncertainty about which items can be donated.
Council will deliver the pilot in partnership with local charities, reuse organisations and repair and recycling businesses, helping to keep materials in use and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.
Rachel Bennett, Port Macquarie Hastings Council Innovation Process & Compliance Manager, Utilities Planning and Design, said:
"The Drive Thru and Drop Off events provide a simple and convenient way for residents to keep reusable and recyclable items out of landfill.
"We're excited to be working with local charities, community organisations and recycling partners to help give unwanted items a second life through reuse, repair and recycling."
The first event will be held on Sunday 30 August 2026 from 9am to 1pm at the Regional Football Stadium car park, on Boundary Street, Port Macquarie.
Participating organisations for the first event include St Thomas's Emporium, Lifeline, Rotary Book Shop, Bubba Atlas, Port Macquarie Animal Shelter, MobileMuster and Guulabaa - Place of Koala.
Residents will be able to drop off a range of accepted items including clothing, household goods, baby and children's items, pet supplies, mobile phones, towels and scrap metal for reuse, repair or recycling.
Further events are scheduled for November 2026, February 2027 and April 2027.
