Our household waste service
We’re making it easier for residents to reduce rubbish, sort waste properly and recycle more.
2021 Waste Audit Results
Blue Mountains City Council has conducted a City-wide household garbage, recycling and green waste bin audit.
Report Highlights
- The total generation (waste, recycling, green) per household is down;
- Amount of garden vegetation in the garbage bin is down;
- Extremely low contamination (wrong things) in the recycle bin; and
- Continued increase in the proportion of all household waste not sent to landfill at 59.7%- meaning we recover more then we landfill.
How can we reduce waste to landfill further?
Food waste has slightly decreased however is still the largest component of the material in our garbage bins (32.9%), followed by recyclables (12.6%). A significant reduction in waste to landfill can be achieved by reducing the amount of recyclables and food waste we put in our garbage bin.
The Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2022- 2031 identifies priorities and actions around food waste and recyclables diversion from landfill. The audit data indicates a continued focus in this area is required.
Image: Household Garbage Bin Composition – Average household/wk. (kg)
Help us reduce waste to landfill
-
Compost your food waste at home. If you do this already maybe you could become a compost champion to help friends and neighbours get started. Visit www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/composthub for more information.
-
Find out what materials you can and can’t recycle. Unsure? Refer to our A-Z of recycling for more information www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/a-zwaste.
- Dispose of hazardous waste correctly. Chemicals, batteries and electronics can be disposed of safely rather than in your bin. Recycle them responsibly. Visit www.bmcc.nsw.gov.au/ewaste-and-chemicals for full details.
Our current waste strategy
Council has further committed to the goal of zero waste, with the Towards Zero Waste Strategy 2022-2031.
This 10 year strategy focuses on the work done to date and provides a detailed action plan presenting clear and practical strategies for continuing to reduce waste to landfill and transition to a zero waste city.
The development of this Strategy is crucial as we balance finite resources with our goals of increased planetary health and long-term sustainability.
The six objectives of the strategy are:
- Embed a circular economy by focusing on avoid, reuse, recycle then landfill
- Comply with legislation including a focus on environmental management
- Maintain ongoing value for money
- Ensure flexibility to respond to emerging opportunities
- Have a high level of community engagement
- Ensure local landfill capacity beyond 2037
This Strategy along with the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 can be found below.
Forms and Resources