NSW waste management facilities closed for residential services, open only for authorised workers

August 23, 2021

Gunnedah Shire Council has restricted access to waste management facilities across the Shire, following updated advice from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).

The NSW EPA directed councils across NSW to close recycling and waste management facilities to the public for the duration of the stay-at-home public health orders, as it is not an essential reason for leaving home.

Kerbside waste collection will continue as normal, however residents who do not have a Council waste collection must store their waste safely at home until the restrictions are lifted.

The NSW EPA provides the following directive for community members wishing to attend waste transfer stations, depots and landfill:

NSW is in lockdown and all residents are required to limit their movements, and stay at home. No member of the public should be visiting a recycling or waste management facility as it is not one of the essential reasons for leaving your home.

For people living in regional NSW who don’t have a council waste collection and take their own household waste to landfill, you must store this waste safely at home in a durable bag/container and not visit your waste depot until the restrictions are lifted. We will continue to update this information as the COVID restrictions are changed.

To view the NSW EPA guidelines, visit: https://bit.ly/3j8iQ81.

Waste management facilities will remain open for essential commercial and trade services with a COVID Safe plan in place. All authorised workers are required to check in with a QR code and must wear a mask at all times.

Gunnedah Shire Council will continue to work to minimise impacts of this required closure and ensure continuity of service for the community. For further information phone Council’s Waste Management Team on (02) 6740 2100.

ENDS

Media and communications team contact: (02) 6740 2100.