We are moving away from the traditional 'make, use and dispose' model, and more towards a circular system that redefines waste as a valuable resource.
The next few years will bring about many challenges for councils across Victoria, including the City of Stonnington, such as population growth, the increasing cost of transport and processing materials, the closing of landfills, as well as delivering on state government policy reforms in addressing the climate emergency.
The City of Stonnington has drafted its first ever Waste and Circular Economy Strategy, which outlines a three-year plan to transition the city away from common waste management systems and processes towards a more circular model that maximises reuse, repurposing, repair, recovery and recycling. The cycle ensures that more products are designed to last longer, to be reused or resold, and broken down so that they can be reproduced and therefore reused – completely avoiding landfill. The results of such a transition will be the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, the regeneration of our biodiversity as well as economic benefits arising from a greater focus on local manufacturing systems that use locally produced materials and that support local jobs.
The development of the strategy is a key action in Council's Climate Emergency Action Plan – to reduce waste and optimise resource recovery. The draft strategy is currently out for community consultation, with a range of online and face-to-face activities scheduled throughout May this year.
In the meantime, we are continuing to design and deliver community education and behaviour change initiatives to avoid sending waste to landfill, reduce contamination and maximise resource recovery. As Council recognises that waste avoidance and reduction is key to minimising greenhouse gas emissions, we are taking action to eliminate unnecessary single-use plastics. Our Plastic Free Policy, which was recently endorsed by Council, will support the Stonnington community to prepare for the Victorian single-use plastics ban and allow Council to lead by example.
To further support our community to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill and to recover resources, Council will soon be introducing a Bin Feedback Program. This education-based initiative provides an excellent opportunity for targeted feedback on what does and does not belong in each bin. Council will engage directly with households rather than expecting the community to seek information on their own.
In line with our Climate Emergency Action Plan and Sustainable Environment Strategy, we will continue to develop and implement waste services and initiatives that drive down emissions and meet the changing needs of our community and environment.
