Central Coast residents currently recycle around 45 percent of their total household waste – not bad, but more can be done.

This is why Central Coast Council is developing their first Waste Management Strategy for the region, which will assess current practices in order to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

Council Director Roads Transport Drainage and Waste, Boris Bolgoff said already there were a number of systems in place to help residents recycle beyond their yellow and green household bins.

“Our residents are keen recyclers, however, many don’t realise there is more they can do to actively stop waste being sent to landfill,” Mr Bolgoff said.

“Last September thirteen ‘Problem Waste Units’ were made available at our administration buildings and library branches for common household items that cannot be put in the red bin.

“Since they were introduced there has been seven tonnes of batteries, half a tonne of light globes and a tonne of mobile phones responsibly disposed of to be recycled.

“We also have an incredible e-waste program, where residents can drop off up to 15 electronic items to our Waste Management Facilities for free.”

Those after a better understanding of what recycling options are already available are encouraged to book into bus tours of Council’s Buttonderry or Woy Woy Waste Management Facilities via 1coast.com.au/education/tours/

Council Mayor Jane Smith said the Strategy aims to go beyond drop off points and will rethink waste processes as we know them.

“In order to significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill we have to think big, long-term, and beyond our current three-bin system,” Mayor Smith said.

“What we hope to achieve from this Strategy, is to repurpose many of the waste streams that are currently sent to landfill, striving to move from linear to circular economies.

“This Strategy we are developing will affect the future of waste practices for our whole community, so if you haven’t already, I would strongly encourage you to have your say before Wednesday 5 June.”

Visit yourvoiceourcoast.com for more information, details on pop-up events and to have your say on the future of waste.

ENDS