Better practice waste management for multi-unit dwellings case studies
Case studies of better practice waste management in mulit-unit dwellings
The revised Better Practice Guide for Waste Management in Multi-unit Dwellings was published by the Office of Environment and Hertiage in 2008. As part of the review process for this publication, case studies of better practice waste management in multi-unit dwellings were commissioned.
The following case studies provide some examples of better practice waste management for a variety of MUDs including mixed-use developments, low-rise villas, townhouses, 3-storey walkup units, integrated developments and high-rise developments.
A mixed-use development is made up of retail, food and residential components, both high and low-rise. Waste management systems are differentiated between the low-rise, high-rise and commercial elements of the development. Importantly, waste from the commercial sector remains segregated from the domestic waste at all times. This complex shows different elements of waste mangement for this type of complex.
Download the Sutherland Shire case study (08380MixedUse.pdf, 302kb)
Sutherland Shire Council works with developers to identify waste requirements and to provide flexible services where possible, particularly for large scale developments that generate high quantities of garbage and recycling. This mixed-use development is located in a popular tourist area. The development consists of 9 storeys of residential accommodation above three levels of cafes and restaurants, and a low-rise residential complex located along the front of the development above commercial premises. It represents various elements of waste management practices.
Download the Sutherland Shire case study 2 (08381MixedUse2.pdf, 304kb)
This large scale multi-unit dwelling development has 60 low-rise villas of two storeys and garage. The site has dual frontage that assists collection, and a number of waste storage areas located in each block of units for effective service provision. Each communal storage area is conveniently located for residential access and allows easy transfer of bins to the kerbside collection point. The storage areas have been designed to accommodate garbage and recycling bins and blend aesthetically with the style of development.
Download the Low rise villa case study (08379LowRiseVilla.pdf, 197kb)
This smaller multi-unit development consists of 16 two storey townhouses adn is divided into two blocks of eight dwellings. Each block has a communal waste storage area for shared residual and recycling bins. Residents are responsbile for taking their waste and recycling to the communal storage areas however, a caretaker keeps the communal storage area clean and tidy and moves the bins to and from the kerbside collection point.
Download the Townhouse / villa case study (08378MTownhouse.pdf, 308kb)
This large scale multi-unit dwelling consists of a series of three storey (low-rise) unit blocks. The development is an example of the use of one large communal waste storage area to serve all dwellings in the complex, as well as the waste maintenance system. Space has been allocated within the storage area for the interim disposal of bulky items. A garden organics service is also provided, and with the large number of bins for the complex, clear separation of each waste stream is necessary to minimise contamination.
Download the Three storey walk up Homebush case study (08377LowRise.pdf, 317kb)
Fairfield City Council services a large number of three storey walk up developments. The Council is currently trialling the use of an underground bin for garbage collection in one of these developments, as a possible replacement for their existing bulk and 240L bin waste systems. The trial period will examine the potential benefits in terms of odour control, amenity and increased efficiency servicing.
Download the Three storey walk up fairfield case study (08376ThreeStorey.pdf, 287kb)
Integrated developments can provide residents with access to a variety of services and different accommodation options within the one site. They contain a series of different building types and uses. Collection of garbage and recyclables from these developments can be problematic if not well planned and managed, due to private roads within the development, shareways between buildings and the generation of commercial and domestic waste.
Download the Integrated development City of Sydney case study (08375Integrated.pdf, 438kb)
This example shows a high-rise complex that consists of two connected development blocks. Originally designed and built as an hotel, the development now incorporates residential accommodation. The two separate blocks of units each has a waste management system integrated within the new design. There is an on-site building manager who controls and monitors the waste system during the week and an appointed person on the weekend.
Download the High-rise development City of Sydney case study (08374HighRise.pdf, 236kb)
This development consists of a series of separate three and four storey multi-unit developments. Collection of bins from locked gate communities can be problematic due to such issues as access and the different development types. This case study is an example of better practice where waste collection has been planned and developed in conjunction with the Council to minimise collection problems. Residents can easily access facilities within the site such as basement storage areas and a caretaker is responsible for taking bins to and from designated collection points.
Download the Locked gate community Canterbury case study (08373LockedGate.pdf, 265kb)
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Page last updated: 10 June 2011
