A new Community Recycling Centre, waste transfer and two large landfill cells are planned to be built as part of a $30 million expansion at the Awaba Waste Management Facility in New South Wales.
Located in Lake Macquarie, the site recycled around 23,700 tonnes in the 2017-18 financial year, which is expected to increase with the introduction of a revamped household recycling system.
The expansion also includes a new administration building at the site entrance which will feature recycled timber and other reclaimed materials, and include offices, meeting rooms and an amenities block.
Lake Macquarie mayor Kay Fraser said the new features would streamline the process for residents dropping off waste and recyclables.
“The new Community Recycling Centre is right at the entrance of the facility, meaning Lake Macquarie residents can now drop off their recyclables and problem household wastes, without having to go over the weighbridge into the site,” Fraser said.
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“And the waste transfer station opening later this year will provide a place for vehicles under two tonnes to drop off waste easily, safely and without visiting the tip face.”
The new landfill cells are expected to be in use by October this year and will be able to hold around 38,500 truck-loads of waste.
Lake Macquarie City Council deputy CEO Tony Farrell said the cells would significantly extend the life of the facility.
“Looking at these enormous cells provides a very tangible indication of how much waste a city the size of Lake Macquarie produces,” Farrell said.
“We’re expecting they will be full in 12 years’ time. It’s important to note that without our new three-bin system, with food waste going into the green bin each week, they would reach capacity in just eight-and-a-half years.
“Further expansion planned down the track and ongoing diversion of waste, mean Awaba Waste Management Facility should serve Lake Macquarie for at least the next 30 years.”
The expansion project is supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the state’s waste levy.