Ways to reduce landfill through in-house recycling, a review of waste vouchers and the introduction of FOGO will be considered as Council prepares its upcoming waste strategy.
Organic waste makes up about one-third of household red-lid bin contents, so rolling out a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection ahead of the 2030 mandate will be a key consideration.
Mayor Patricia White said there were ways to improve the waste vouchers.
"I'm eager to explore ways to minimise waste disposal costs and increase equity by reviewing the voucher scheme and any future FOGO processes," Cr White said.
"Our future waste strategy needs to reflect state and federal legislation and mandatory organics separation, but it's also an opportunity to explore ways to increase equity and review waste disposal costs for our residents," she said.
"Council will continue to collaborate with the community on waste minimisation and how we can all play a role in reducing our impact on the environment."
Council's Waste Strategy will facilitate the delivery of key community objectives in the Community Strategic Plan 2035 (CSP), which lists 'increasing the diversion of waste from landfill into reuse opportunities' as a priority.
Key considerations for a waste strategy include:
- The timing, engagement campaign and logistics involved in the compulsory FOGO rollout.
- Waste voucher review.
- The commissioning of the Materials Recovery Facility and the processing of comingled products.
- Continuing to operate Shoalhaven's Glass Recycling Plant and the Green Ceramic MICROfactorie located at the West Nowra facility.
- The amalgamation of multiple waste policies such as charity waivers and free mulch into the one comprehensive Waste Services fee waiver and subsidies policy document.
