WALGA works with Local Government to develop Better Practice approaches to a range of waste management issues. Through this process, WALGA has developed a range of guidance material for Local Government which can assist in optimising waste avoidance and resource recovery.
Laying Down the Law
WALGA with funding from the Waste Authority, through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Levy, has developed a Template Waste Local Law. WALGA has also developed a Guidance note which is to explain the rationale used to develop this Template Local Law, and to assist Local Governments in applying it to their local situation. It contains comments about the local law-making process, the head of power for the Template Local Law and a detailed rationale for the inclusion / exclusion of a range of clauses in the Local Law.
Reuse Shop Guidelines
Reuse is part of a suite of waste management approaches identified in the waste hierarchy which rates these strategies in order of their general environmental desirability. Reuse of waste rates highly in the waste hierarchy but is often difficult to implement in practice. Reuse shops are a practical way that Local Government can encourage reuse.
WALGA has developed Better Practice Reuse Shop Guidelines to assist Local Governments to divert reusable materials from landfill through establishing reuse shops (aka Tip Shops). The aim of the guidelines is to build a broader awareness of successful reuse practices and provide guidance to Local Governments.
This project has been funded by the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account.
Planning for Waste Management
The Model Policy and Explanatory Notes have been developed by WALGA and reviewed by external consultants. The purpose of the Model Policy is to inform external parties of Local Government's expectation that waste avoidance and resource recovery considerations will be addressed in the construction, demolition and on-going operation of future developments.
The Explanatory Notes have been developed so that they can be used by Planning Officers to gain an understanding of the background to this issue, as well as forming the basis of a Report to Council requesting endorsement of the Policy.
This project is funded by the Waste Authority though the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account.
WALGA has undertaken an extensive review of the waste management planning conditions attached to various development approvals by Local Governments as well as through Development Assessment Panels, and used these as a basis to draft model conditions.
WALGA has received legal advice on the wording of the model conditions to ensure they can pass the four tests of validity and achieve the desired waste management planning outcomes.
The Guidelines provide guidance on how to incorporate best practice principles into different aspects of the waste management planning process. Details are provided on calculating predicted waste volumes, how to manage specific waste streams, as well as the selection and design of waste infrastructure to ensure that is it safe, practical and works towards maximising the diversion of recyclables and organics.
The Guidelines also contain a checklist and a pro-forma for the preparation of waste management plans by developers. Following consultation, the Guidelines will be updated to include case studies and useful imagery prior to their official release.
- Subdivision Waste Management Plan Guidelines
- Commercial and Industrial Waste Management Plan Guidelines
- Construction Waste Management Plan Guidelines
- Demolition Waste Management Plan Guidelines
- Waste Management Plan Guidelines for New Multi Dwelling Developments
- Education and Behaviour Change Approaches Pilot Study
- Better Practice Guidelines for Multi Dwelling Developments
- Multi-Dwelling Development (MDD) and Mixed-Use Development (MUD) Waste Calculator
Verge Collection Guidelines
There are a range of significant issues with vergeside collections such as increasing waste volumes, increasing costs, very low recovery rates and illegal disposal of material on the verge.
This project has been developed to assist Local Governments maximise the amount of material recovered through verge side collections (a.k.a. bulk waste collections). This project involves reviewing current approaches, and developing Better Practice Guidelines for verge collections.
This project has been funded by the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account.
Guidelines
WALGA has developed Better Practice Guidelines that aim to clearly identify better practice recovery solutions for verge side collections in order to maximise resource recovery and increase community engagement.
Better Practice Vergeside Collection Guidelines
The Waste Authority has developed guidelines for Local Government that set out the key service characteristics and better practice benchmarks to support Local Government service consistency with the objectives and targets in the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
Guidelines for Local Government Vergeside and Drop-off Services
Litter and Illegal Dumping
Better Practice Charity Bin Management
March 2018
WALGA has developed Better Practice Guidelines on the management of charity bins within Local Government areas, in order to:
- Reduce litter and illegal dumping
- Simplify Local Government operations
- Encourage the diversion of reusable materials through charity collections.
Better Practice Guideline for Charity Bin Management
Better Practice Optical Surveillance Devices (aka CCTV)
June 2016
WALGA has developed Better Practice Guidelines on the use of Optical Surveillance Devices (aka CCTV) to combat littering and illegal dumping.
Illegal dumping is becoming an increasing issue for Local Government. The incidence and cost is increasing in line with growing population, community expectation and disposal costs. With changing technology, there are new ways to address this issue and identify those committing the offence. The Better Practice Guideline focuses on how Optical Surveillance Devices can be used and the specific legal and practical issues relevant to its use as a means of combating littering and illegal dumping. The Guideline also includes case studies and opportunities for Local Government to work with State Government on this issue. This project was funded by the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account.
Better Practice Guideline on the use of Optical Surveillance Devices
Shopping trolleys
February 2016
MWAC has developed a short Background Paper on illegal dumping of shopping trolleys. The Paper that has been developed to identify the impact of illegal dumping of shopping trolleys and what Local Government can do to help address the issue.
Research indicates that illegal dumping of shopping trolleys is a small but persistent illegal dumping issue for Local Government. The Report identifies a number of recommendations to respond to illegal dumping of shopping trolleys, including engagement with retailers and compliance options. Local Governments have authority through various legislative instruments to address illegal dumping of shopping trolleys, including the Activities in Thoroughfares and Public Places Local Law, the Local Government Act 1995 and the Litter Act 1979.
