Waste Management
As a society we generate considerable waste that must be properly managed to minimise risks to public health and to the environment. Councils play an active role in waste management by providing waste disposal and recycling services as well as the regulation of waste disposal by people and organisations in the municipality.
In addition to providing services and regulation, councils frequently provide advice and education to assist and encourage people to dispose/recycle their waste responsibly.
Waste services
Councils provide a range of waste disposal and recycling services for their communities. While some services, such as the collection and disposal of general household garbage are common to all councils, many services vary, depending on the needs and priorities of the relevant communities.
Contact your council to find out about the particular waste disposal and recycling services provided in your area.
Specific waste services provided by councils can include:
- Collection and disposal of general household garbage, which usually includes waste that cannot be recycled using the council’s recycling services
- Hard rubbish collections, which provide for the removal of items that cannot be disposed in general household garbage collections
- Recycling services that may include paper, glass, plastic and metal waste products
- Green waste collection services, which are generally connected with a service providing compost and mulch for gardens
- Disposal and/or recycling of other specific types of items such as chemicals, oil, computers or used printer cartridges
- Transfer stations and land fill sites for disposal and recycling services
- Commercial waste removal services
The way these services are provided can vary from area to area. While household garbage services most frequently involve the provision and regular emptying of bins, in some areas household waste may be disposed at transfer stations. Similarly, recycling services may be provided through collection from individual household bins or at transfer stations or depots in the municipality.
Many councils levy a garbage charge as part of the rates system. Sometimes the level of the charge varies in relation to the size of bin provided.
Regulation of waste
Councils also make and enforce local laws to control the disposal of waste in their areas as well as regulating some waste activities under State laws.
Council enforce state and local laws relating to many waste disposal matters, including:
- Disposal of dangerous pollutants such as asbestos
- Domestic wastewater (sewage) systems
- Littering
- Burning off and use of incinerators
- Proper use of council waste disposal services
For more information consult your council or the
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