Information for local authorities
Local government is uniquely placed to make significant contributions to more sustainable ways of managing our natural resources and waste. Many councils are leading the way to a more sustainable future by striving for innovation and best practice and exceeding established benchmarks in municipal waste collection, processing and disposal.
Councils are responsible for kerbside resource recovery and residual waste collection from single dwellings. Preferred Resource Recovery Practices by Local Councils provides guidance on preferred minimum service levels for this work.
Many councils have also taken up the challenge of tackling illegal dumping around the urban fringes of metropolitan areas and around multi unit dwellings.
Transfer stations have a key role to play in waste management infrastructure by providing an effective means of consolidating and managing recyclables and waste. Many rural and regional councils operate small transfer stations and landfills which are not required to be licensed. The Handbook for the Design and Operation of Rural and Regional Transfer Stations helps rural and regional councils understand the challenges, opportunities and unique issues of rural transfer station operations, while the Environmental Risk Assessment and Mitigation Package (E-RAMP) helps them assess and manage the potential risks associated with existing small waste facilities, and identify potential measures to improve the way they operate.
Local government is also taking up the challenge of leading their communities by reducing the demand on resources through sustainability clauses in contracts issued by council and by using its buying power to influence demand and supply of more sustainable products in the marketplace through sustainable purchasing of office paper and products and waste reduction in council buildings.
Page last updated: 26 February 2011
