Communities centre on waste and recycling innovation
Regional centres are embracing initiatives like the Aboriginal Waste Management Program and Community Recycling Centres (CRCs). The Muli Muli community’s waste management pilot project won a NSW Premier’s Award last month, while the total number of CRCs in NSW grew to 91.
Muli Muli Community paint bins as part of their waste management
The Muli Muli Ladies Club were so concerned about the impact of a 50-year old waste dumping site that had encroached the burial grounds of their ancestors, they decided to take action. The Club collaborated with the EPA (the primary pilot project funding partner), North East Waste, Muli Muli Local Aboriginal Land Council and Githabul Ranges to implement a community waste management plan.
The EPA pilot project resulted in the removal of 76 truckloads of litter and dumped waste, revegetation of the old tip site, new recycling services, and the employment of a community engagement advisor.
The efforts of the Club, and everyone involved in the Muli Muli Clean Up Country Project, was recognised when they won the Keeping our Environment Clean Award at the Premier’s Awards for Excellence in Public Service in November 2018.
New Community Recycling Centres open across NSW
Problem waste can be dropped off at Community Recycling Centres
To help better protect our environment and the health of the community, the EPA has funded new and enhanced CRCs across NSW including those at Blighty, Moama, Corowa, Berrigan and Maitland.
Paints, oils, batteries, florescent lights, fire extinguishers, gas bottles and smoke detectors can be dropped off at local CRCs and treated before safe disposal, recycling or reducing the load on landfill.
Some councils have established recycling stations within their libraries and other council buildings to help communities to dispose of smaller problem waste items such as batteries and light globes.