The plan aims to minimise waste to landfill and the effect of waste generation, collection and disposal on the environment and help engagement with the community to increase participation in sustainable waste management practices.
“The plan recognises waste management is a significant and rising cost for the City and its ratepayers, is subject to high community expectations and can have a significant impact on the environment,” Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard said.
“The cost for disposing of waste at landfill is currently $155 per tonne, compared to $24 per tonne for recyclable material in yellow lid bins.
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The plan is in line with State Government targets, which include 50 per cent of waste diverted from landfill by 2015 and 65 per cent by 2020.
While the City reached the 50 per cent target before 2015, Mr Pickard said changes were required to ensure the target of 65 per cent was achieved by 2020.
Other items identified in the plan include potential changes to the bulk waste service, improved waste education and behaviour change information and investigating options for improving the collection of hazardous household waste.
At the February 16 meeting, Cr Mike Norman asked if the City could look at a 120L waste bin as an opt-in option.
“I think this would be a great incentive to get residents to consider how they can reduce their amount of waste and get a financial reward for that,” he said.
The City spends about $20 million a year on waste services including collecting and processing household waste, providing and emptying street bins, removing litter from public areas and providing waste services.