The NSW Government’s target of 60 percent reduction in waste going to landfill by 2000 appears well within the reach of some Councils in the Sydney area. This is particularly so for Wollondilly, overall winner in the 1996 Council Incentive Program. Under this Program, a $10,000 incentive is offered by Waste Service NSW to the Council area which reduces its waste to landfill by the greatest percentage.
Wollondilly led the 36 participating Councils, reducing its landfill waste by a record 46 percent compared with 1989/1990 base line figures. This surpasses the previous waste reduction record of 44 percent held by North Sydney Council.
With just 14 percent reduction to go before they reach the 60 percent target, the Wollondilly community has good reason to congratulate itself on its waste minimisation efforts. Two years ago Council moved to kerbside recycling. A divider was fitted to residents’ 240 litre bins providing a split bin for recyclables and garbage.
“A key to our success was the employment of a Waste Education Officer,” said Neville Finlay, Wollondilly’s Manager Waste Services. “Talking to residents one to one about their recycling concerns and working with schools and community groups has been very successful in spreading the recycling message.”
For further information contact Waste Services NSW telephone (02) 9934 7075.
