New waste management measures adopted by NSW’s Port Stephens Council, are set to achieve an 80 percent reduction in waste.
The system relies on a holistic approach, integrating collection, recycling and disposal into the one system. The aim is to achieve both economic and environmental benefits. At the heart of the strategy is the interception of the waste stream prior to reaching landfill to maximise recycling opportunities.
Domestic and commercial waste in Port Stephens is now collected in split bins accommodating both non recyclables and recyclable material. This is then deposited separately in a single collection truck for transfer to a centralised waste processing and co-composting facility.
Here, non recyclable household refuse is interspersed with sewage sludge sourced from the Hunter Water Corporation. Within three days it is ready for conversion to high grade compost for use on household and public gardens.
Recyclables are baled and returned to recycling industries. Anything which falls outside either of these categories is deemed inert and sent to landfills specially designed to allow recovery should recycling techniques for this material later become available.
Manager Engineering Services, Michael Skinn, said the development of the new system was driven by the need to provide an efficient and simple waste management system accommodating the needs of residents and tourists in this ‘blue water paradise’.
“The challenge was to provide an efficient waste management system that is simple for the public to use while creating minimal impact on daily life and the environment,” he said.
Every effort has been made to achieve this. Households are even supplied with split kitchen tidies to encourage maximum compliance with the system.
For further information contact Michael Skinn, telephone (02) 4980 0222.
