Waste win for community

This category recognises excellence shown by a regional or rural council for programs that have benefitted the community and improved waste management and resource recovery.

Halve Waste was recognised for its success in a range of campaigns that focus on topical issues such as residential and commercial food waste, soft plastics and household clean-ups.

AlburyCity Deputy Mayor Amanda Cohn said the award was a tribute to the local community.

“Our state-of-the art waste management centre is leading the way when it comes to reusing and recycling, and we’re working towards establishing an Australian-first by becoming the first group to literally halve the amount of waste we bury in landfill,” she said.

“We’re on track to reach this amazing achievement because we have a community that’s embraced the Halve Waste message and together we’re showing that a united effort can make a massive difference in protecting our environment for future generations.”

An initiative of the combined Albury, Wodonga, Indigo, Greater Hume, Towong and Federation council areas, Halve Waste has educated thousands of school children, community groups, businesses and residents across the wider region.

The program has supported significant investment at the Albury Waste Management Centre, including the community recycling facility, the AWARE up-cycle shop, the garden organics, whitegoods and timber drop-off points and the push-pit.

All are helping in the push to halve the amount of waste we bury by capturing recyclables before they get to the landfill.