Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy

We are creating a new Waste Strategy! This ten-year strategy and initial three-year action plan will ensure our city is working towards reducing domestic and Council generated waste in line with community expectations and best practice.


Background

As a society, we are generating more waste than ever before. We are purchasing and disposing of products and materials daily, and the types of waste we are producing have diversified.

This process of consume and dispose is not sustainable, and is having increasingly negative impacts.

Council’s previous Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2019–2023 (WARR) had key directions and priorities to:

  • Avoid and reduce waste
  • Improve reuse and recycling
  • Manage problem waste better
  • Reduce litter
  • Reduce illegal dumping.

Achievements initiated under the previous Strategy include:

>> Food Organics & Garden Organics waste collection service

Phase one was introduced in 2024 with a service designed to make recycling food scraps and garden waste easier than ever. This initiative helps divert organic waste from landfill, turning it into nutrient-rich compost.

>> Community Recycling Centre

City of Parramatta Council is currently undertaking planning and key approvals for a permanent drop-off centre in Parramatta, for problem household waste items such as:

  • Paint
  • Household and car batteries
  • Gas bottles
  • Fluorescent globes and tubes.

Stay tuned for announcements about the Community Recycling Centre in 2025.

The new Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy will aim to continue reducing the overall waste generated by Council facilities and our community, helping to achieve better environmental outcomes for all.


Stage one community consultation - Now closed

In mid-2025, we invited you to have your say on Council's future Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy. Thank you to the more than 600 people that have had their say. The feedback period closed at 5pm on Wednesday 25 June 2025.


Next steps

We are now reviewing your feedback and will be using this to help us develop the Draft Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy. This Draft Strategy will be placed on public exhibition providing a further opportunity for community feedback. To stay updated on this project, please follow this page.

Frequently asked questions

Quick facts

How much domestic waste does our city currently divert?

How much domestic waste does our city currently divert?

City of Parramatta currently diverts 58% of household waste.

What is the household waste diversion target?

What is the household waste diversion target?

The national diversion target is 80% of household waste.

What can individuals do to help meet the national waste diversion targets?

What can individuals do to help meet the national waste diversion targets?

You can help by reducing the amount of waste you or your household generates by 10%. Take the first step by answering our survey about the ways Council can support you!