Landfill as a last resort is the bottom line for Lake Macquarie City Council's waste strategy over the next four years.
Councillors approved the Waste and Circular Materials Strategy 2026-2030 at tonight's ordinary meeting, which sets a framework for reducing waste generation, improving material recovery and planning for how to handle waste that cannot be recycled or recovered.
It includes seven outcomes covering circular economy growth, resource conservation, food waste reduction, emissions reduction, decreasing waste to landfill, ensuring long‑term preparedness and maintaining reliable, affordable waste services.
Mayor Adam Shultz said the new strategy built on past successes including the implementation of weekly food and garden organics recycling, expanded problem-waste recovery and a bookable bulky waste service.
"This plan emphasises the importance of avoiding waste in the first place, while increasing opportunities for reuse and repair," he said.
"These practical steps will help reduce pressure on landfill, Council budgets, infrastructure and the environment.
"It also highlights the significant economic opportunities within the circular economy, where materials are kept in use for longer through reuse, repair, sharing models and innovative businesses working with circular materials."
Public exhibition confirmed broad support for the strategy's direction.
Submissions encouraged Council to continue strengthening waste avoidance, reuse and repair, improve recycling outcomes, expand waste education, deter illegal dumping and reduce emissions from waste operations.
Councillors also approved the draft Morisset Place Strategy for public exhibition.
The draft strategy sets a long-term vision and strategic framework to guide coordinated growth in housing, jobs, transport and infrastructure investment in Morisset over the next 20 years.
The full agenda and reports are available at meeting agendas and minutes.
The stream of tonight's meeting will be available online at lakemac.com.au within 48 hours.
