Lismore Council is aiming to move beyond traditional approaches to waste management toward a ‘circular economy strategy’ that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible.
The goal forms the centrepiece of the Council’s draft resource recovery and residual waste strategy, which has just been placed on public exhibition.
Spanning the next decade of resource recovery across the local government area, the strategy proposes using cutting-edge recycling technology to keep resources within the local economy for as long as possible.
‘With resources becoming more finite, the community’s desire for sustainability, the need for economic growth and addressing climate change, it is the time to make a shift in consciousness and behaviour and move towards a circular economy,’ the council’s Business Manager of Commercial Services, Kevin Trustum, said.
The strategy includes four key initiatives to aid with the transition, including the construction of a new regional materials recovery facility, and the establishment of a ‘circular economy precinct’ at the Lismore recycling facility that will process waste products back into materials that can be used by locals.
The strategy was endorsed by Council at its November Ordinary Meeting and is based on consultation with the community and local businesses, and is aligned with the new NSW Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy.
Councillors also voted to promote the shift on its new collection truck.
The draft Lismore Resource Recovery and Residual Waste Strategy 2022 to 2032 is on public exhibition until Monday, 31 January 2022. Residents can provide comments at Council’s Community Engagement Hub at www.yoursay.lismore.nsw.gov.au
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