newy.com.au – Lake Macquarie City Council will treat landfill as a last resort under a new four-year waste strategy approved by councillors on Monday night.
The Waste and Circular Materials Strategy 2026-2030 sets the framework for reducing waste generation, improving material recovery and planning for waste that cannot be recycled or recovered.
The strategy is built around seven outcomes, including circular economy growth, resource conservation, food waste reduction, emissions reduction, less waste going to landfill, long-term preparedness and reliable, affordable waste services.
Mayor Adam Shultz said the plan built on earlier work, including weekly food and garden organics recycling, expanded problem-waste recovery and a bookable bulky waste service.
“This plan emphasises the importance of avoiding waste in the first place, while increasing opportunities for reuse and repair,” he said.
“These practical steps will help reduce pressure on landfill, Council budgets, infrastructure and the environment.
“It also highlights the significant economic opportunities within the circular economy, where materials are kept in use for longer through reuse, repair, sharing models and innovative businesses working with circular materials.”
Council said public exhibition of the strategy showed broad support for its direction, with submissions calling for continued efforts to strengthen waste avoidance, reuse and repair, improve recycling, expand waste education, deter illegal dumping and cut emissions from waste operations.
At the same meeting, councillors also approved the draft Morisset Place Strategy for public exhibition. The draft document sets out a long-term vision to guide housing, jobs, transport and infrastructure investment in Morisset over the next 20 years.
The full agenda and reports are available on Lake Macquarie City Council’s meeting agendas and minutes page, while a stream of the meeting is expected to be available on the council website within 48 hours.
