Waste Strategies

Overview

Waste and resource recovery is a matter of national importance.

The circular economy is a top priority across the entire waste sector as well as all levels of government, Business and for Individuals.

Of great significance are the value of resources and extending the life of materials.

Now more than ever, communities are making informed decisions about the way items are produced, purchased, and disposed of.

Across the Nation we are moving away from being a single use, disposable society. Instead we are moving toward developing a strong circular economy.

This means ‘waste’ is re-captured and re-circulated in the economy.

Improved waste management has many benefits including:

  • A reduction in health and environmental problems, and
  • Benefits to the economy

Government organisations are working together to improve waste management. This is at a national, state, regional and local level.

These improvements are being achieved through the following strategies and action plans: 

  • National Waste Policy 2018
  • National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019
  • National Plastics Plan 2021
  • NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041
  • NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy- A Guide to Infrastructure Needs
  • NSW Plastic Action Plan 2021
  • Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan 2016- 2021
  • Western Sydney Regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2017- 2021

These policies, strategies and action plans provide a framework to

  • sustainably manage waste
  • improve resource recovery and
  • to drive the circular economy

To find out more about each of these documents, click on the tabs below.

Waste Strategies Documents

National

National Waste Policy 2018

The National Waste Policy 2018 addresses the issue of having different policies and strategies across Australia which hinder effective waste management and resource recovery.

The policy provides a framework to develop a coordinated approach to sustainable waste management. It guides ongoing collaboration between all Australian governments, businesses, and industries.

Nat Waste Policy 2018.JPG

View the Policy here

National Waste Policy Action Plan 2019

The National Waste Policy Action Plan details seven targets and actions to implement the National Waste Policy 2018. It is also used as a tool to guide national efforts and investments to 2030 and beyond.

Nat Waste Policy Action Plan 2019.JPG

View the Action Plan here

National Plastics Plan 2021

Plastic is one of the most widely used, man made products in the world. Since the 1970s, plastic production and consumption has drastically grown. This is a trend which is set to continue.

The prevalence of this material is causing a significant problem to the health of humans and the environment. All tiers of Government, industry, businesses, and individuals are part of the solution to the plastic problem.

The National Plastics Plan 2021 outlines roles, responsibilities, and actions to help tackle this worldwide issue.

Nat Plastics Plan 2021.JPG

View the Plan here

State

NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041

The NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041 provides details about how NSW aims to better manage waste, and outlines a number of targets and actions that must be achieved in order to drive resource recovery and the circular economy.

NSW Sustainable Mat Strat 2041.JPG

View the Strategy here

NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy - A Guide to Infrastructure Needs

The NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy - A Guide to Infrastructure Needs, is a supplement to the NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2041. The guide helps to strategically plan the infrastructure required to manage waste and build the circular economy over the next ten years.

View the Strategy here(PDF, 543KB)

NSW Plastic Action Plan 2021

Plastic poses a significant risk to both human health and the environment, as such the way in which plastic is managed is vital.

The NSW Plastic Actions Plan details six actions that will be used to achieve four key outcomes:

  • reduce plastic waste generation
  • make the most of our plastic resources
  • reduce plastic leakage
  • improve our understanding of the future of plastics
NSW Plastics Action Plan.JPG

View the Action Plan here

Regional

Western Sydney Regional Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2017-2021

The Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan provides regional direction to help achieve the state governments target to reduce litter by 40% by 2020. The strategy outlines where we are, where we want to be and how to get there.

Please note: A new strategy is currently in development and will be released soon.

Regional WARR Strategy.JPG

View the Strategy here

Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan 2016-2021

The Western Sydney Regional Litter Plan provides regional direction to help achieve the state governments target to reduce litter by 40% by 2020. The strategy outlines where we are, where we want to be and how to get there.

Regional Litter Strategy.JPG

View the Strategy here

Hills Shire

The Hills Shire Council’s Resource Recovery Delivery Program 2022-2027 has been developed.

The Delivery Program has been shaped by extensive community consultation and underpinned by detailed background research.

The Delivery Program outcomes align with current federal, state and regional strategies and policies, and outlines the direction Council will take to manage waste and drive resource recovery in The Hills Shire until 2027 and beyond.

View the Delivery Program(PDF, 19MB)