Get the appIsaac Regional Council has restricted access to waste management facilities across the region because of wet weather. At the Clermont landfill, only 4WD vehicles may enter, and truck access is not permitted. Household skip bins can be used by 4WD and 2WD vehicles. All other site access is limited to 4WD vehicles. The council says it will keep monitoring the sites and provide regular updates to residents.
The WA Planning Commission has voted to lift planning restrictions on land in Clarkson, despite the Department of Health opposing the move over its closeness to the Tamala Park landfill. Part of the 1810 square metre site sits within the tip's 500 metre buffer zone. Planning officers said contamination risks were manageable and acceptable, and that the buffer may no longer apply once homes are built, as the landfill is scheduled to close in 2029. The City of Wanneroo supported the rezoning with conditions, including that future buyers be told of the site's history and risks.
Between 30 September and 7 October 2026, 6.92 tonnes of food organics and garden organics waste from the Collie townsite were delivered to the Renergi facility for initial processing trials. Renergi says the trials were successful and achieved a positive outcome. The Shire of Collie supports the project, which it says is an important step towards reducing waste sent to landfill. The project also supports future plans for the Collie Waste Facility and complements the continued servicing of Renergi through imported material streams.
Alerts, Shorts and your saved stories — free on Google Play.
Get the appA New South Wales parliamentary inquiry has recommended that the state government reject plans to burn Sydney's waste in regional communities, including proposed incinerators at Tarago and Parkes. The select committee made 22 recommendations after seven hearings across 2025 and 2026. Committee chair Nichole Overall, a Nationals MLC, cited a lack of community acceptance, including from local councils and Aboriginal land councils. Greater Sydney's landfill capacity is expected to run out by 2030. Veolia and the Parkes Energy Recovery project have both put forward proposals, which are before the NSW Planning Department.
Port Macquarie's Repair Fair, to be held at the Port Macquarie Library on Sunday, 8 November, aims to reduce landfill by giving damaged items a new life. Council innovation manager Rachel Bennett said last year's inaugural event, attended by 1500 people, showed a growing appreciation for repairing rather than replacing. Visitors can learn to patch clothes, maintain bicycles, repair fishing gear, surfboards and leather goods. The fair also includes an Eco Zone, a Car Boot Sale, activities for children and a council Repair Directory listing local services.
Griffith Council has voted to reduce tip fees for commercial waste operators after a community backlash over a 32 per cent increase. A motion to cut the rise further to 4 per cent was defeated 5-4. The adopted 10 per cent increase will lower the fee for eligible operators from $276 to $229.90 a tonne. Councillors debated whether the cost should fall on commercial users or ratepayers. Waste business owner Brian Irvin said he was relieved the original increase had been wound back.
A recycling drop-off day held on 10 October kept 1,538 kilograms of unwanted items out of landfill. About 350 people attended the four-hour event, bringing clothing, linen, electrical items and soft plastics. Clothing, shoes and accessories made up 955 kilograms, and linen totalled 310 kilograms. A textile partner will pass most of the textiles on to people in need, and recycle the rest into rags, padding or insulation. Electrical items and soft plastics will go to specialised recyclers to recover materials for new products.
Residents in Anglesea can drop off old clothes and household textiles for free at the Anglesea Transfer Station. The Surf Coast Shire's two-month trial runs until 30 November. Textile Recyclers Group will sort items for reuse or recycling, and shred those that cannot be reused into products such as insulation and blankets. Clean, dry, loose items are accepted, up to five household garbage bags' worth. Councillor Liz Pattison encouraged residents to pass on or donate clothes in good condition first.
Sydney pub and brewery owner Karl Riseborough has cut his food waste after finding how much was thrown out each week. Food waste expert Belinda Chellingworth says many businesses do not realise the full cost, which is paid across several departments. Every year about 7.6 million tonnes of food is wasted in Australia, costing more than $36 billion. Some landfill sites in Perth and New South Wales are close to capacity. The federal government has set a target to halve food waste by 2030, which UNSW professor Johannes le Coutre doubts is achievable.
Residents in the Surf Coast community can now recycle worn textiles at Anglesea Transfer Station during a two-month trial. Clean, dry clothing, towels, bed linen and shoes can be dropped off and sent to Textile Recyclers Group for sorting. Councillor Liz Pattison said the council wants to gauge local interest in textile recycling across the shire. Items that cannot be reused will be shredded and made into products such as gloves, socks, cushions, rugs and insulation. The trial runs until 30 November.
Monash Council has restated its long-standing concerns about redeveloping the former Talbot Quarry and Landfill site in Oakleigh South. Mayor Stuart James said the council supports housing there if the land can be made safe and environmental issues are properly managed. He said the rezoning amendment has not settled long-term arrangements for contamination, landfill gas and ground conditions, and that these should be resolved before rezoning and before any development is approved. Council rejected claims that it had delayed the project, pointing to an earlier proposal an independent panel did not support.
Bass Coast Shire Council has reported a $19.2 million underlying deficit, driven by rising costs for coastal erosion and landfill rehabilitation. The deficit, equivalent to 17.7 per cent, was revealed in draft financial statements approved at a council meeting. Council spending on capital works exceeded the budget, with $19.4 million allocated to infrastructure upgrades. Councillor Temby expressed concerns about long-term climate funding, warning that spending on coastal projects could set an unsustainable precedent.