Engagement Findings - Closing the Loop on Waste

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent conversation on Waste. We heard from over 130 people who gave valuable insight into their interactions with waste in their daily life. We learnt a lot and it was a valuable engagement that will directly inform our new Draft Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy.

Engagement with the community was held from 2 May – 20 May 2024. The engagement questions surrounding the following topics:

1. Reduce Waste to Landfill
2. Transition to a Circular Economy
3. Reduce Waste Related Emissions
4. Improve Waste Management
5. Education

What we did

Communication Methods:

• Project information was available on the Our Wollongong website.
• Emails, newsletters, media releases, social media posts, posters, and FAQs distributed widely to relevant stakeholders.
• Background information and surveys available at Wollongong City Council Libraries.
  

Engagement Methods:

• Online surveys and Q&A forums on the Our Wollongong website
• Community workshop at Dapto Ribbonwood Centre on 2 May 2024
• Email submissions and hard copy surveys
• An internal workshop with Council staff.

Engagement Participation
The engagement activities included:

• Online participation with 555 web page views, 450 individuals aware, 154 informed, and 87 engaged.
• Community workshop participation with 16 attendees.
• Emails and hard copy survey submissions.
• Engagement with our local Aboriginal Community

What we heard

The themes that emerged from engagement with the community under each of the five focus areas have been summarised as:

Goal 1: Reduce Waste to Landfill

• Support for reuse initiatives like libraries of things and repair cafes.
• Improving recycling programs for various materials.
• Support for reuse initiatives like “libraries of things” that store repaired and reusable items, and repair cafes.
• Reducing single-use plastics through local regulations.
• Enhancing waste collection and segregation with incentives.
• Strong focus on community education and engagement.

Goal 2: Transition to a Circular Economy

• Encouraging mindful shopping and reducing waste.
• Promoting recycling, repair, and repurposing at individual and organisational levels.
• Legislative support for sustainable practices and circular economy policies.

Goal 3: Reduce Waste Related Emissions

• Collaboration with other councils and governments.
• Community education on waste management.
• Infrastructure improvements for sorting and recycling.
• Transitioning to electric or hybrid waste collection vehicles.

Goal 4: Improve Waste Management

• Continuous education and community engagement.
• Reducing and recycling soft plastics.
• Expanding waste reduction initiatives, especially FOGO in multi-dwelling units.
• Improving infrastructure at Whytes Gully.
• Advocating for plastic reduction legislation and ensuring accountability.

Improving Education and Communication

• Enhanced communication through real estate, strata, and revamped Council website.
• Interactive learning via sustainability festivals, community events, and workshops.
• School involvement in waste management education.
• Mobilising community volunteers and consistent messaging to reinforce recycling rules.
• Providing clear, accessible information and incentives to encourage proper waste management.

Aboriginal Engagement

Multiple conversations were had with members of the local Aboriginal Community on the topic of waste. Some of the topics discussed included caring for Country, considering impact, education, reuse of existing assets and partnering with other Councils on initiatives.

If you would like to read the responses in more detail, you can view the Engagement Report - Talking Waste for 2024-2034 now available.

Next Steps

From this period of engagement, we have created the Draft Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2024-2034 that is scheduled to go before Councillors on Monday 24th June. Councillors will evaluate the Draft Strategy and decide whether to endorse it for exhibition.