Maitland City Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on waste, recycling and resource recovery services as it develops the next Waste Services Management Plan (2026–2030).
The Council is reviewing progress on the current Waste Management Plan (2023–2026) to understand what’s working, what can be improved, and how services can better support the needs of the growing community.
Manager Environment and Sustainability, Catherine Pepper said resident input is critical to delivering effective, accessible, and environmentally responsible waste services.
“Reducing waste and increasing recycling is a shared responsibility between Council and the community,” Ms Pepper said.
“This review is an opportunity for residents to tell us what’s working well, what barriers they’re facing, and what would make it easier to recycle, use FOGO and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.”
The current Waste Management Plan (2023-2026) supports Maitland’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy, which includes a target to divert 80 per cent of household waste from landfill by 2030.
Achieving that target relies on both strong services and community participation.
“By listening to our community, we can continue to refine our programs and services, and deliver sustainable practices that protect our environment and support a high quality of life for our residents through accessible, convenient waste services,” Ms Pepper said.
“Your feedback directly informs decisions about future waste services, from facility operations, recycling and FOGO upgrades to bulky waste, drop-off services and reuse opportunities.”
Council’s survey focuses on residents’ everyday experiences with waste services, including:
- How often bins are used and how full they are
- What helps or prevents people from recycling or using Food Organics and Garden Organics
(FOGO) - Awareness and use of bulky waste vouchers, drop-off services and free programs
- What would make it easier to recycle or separate waste more effectively?
- Council says the survey takes around 10 minutes to complete and will help guide improvements to support sustainable living and a more connected, thriving Maitland.
- “When residents take part in the services and programs they help design, we all move closer to achieving our community waste reduction targets and make sustainable living part of everyday life.”
- Residents can provide their feedback at mait.city/WasteServicesManagementPlan until 28 February.
