A long-term shift toward a circular economy is now underway across East Gippsland, with councillors adopting a new 10-Year Waste and Recycling Services Transition Plan.

East Gippsland Shire Council’s plan for the coming decade outlines a staged approach to modernising waste and recycling services across the shire, with a focus on reliability, fairness and cost-effective delivery.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth said the plan reflects the views put forward by locals.

“Our community is passionate about protecting the environment and making the most of our resources,” Cr Ashworth said. “By planning ahead and investing wisely, Council will deliver reliable, efficient and environmentally responsible services.”

The framework is designed to reduce waste, lift recycling rates, and guide investment in infrastructure that supports a circular economy.

Key actions endorsed are:

• Introducing a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service from 2027, alongside planning for glass recycling as mandated under Victorian Government reforms.

• Expanding kerbside collections to more households, including rural areas.

• Planning for booked hard-waste collections to help households responsibly dispose of bulky items and reduce illegal dumping.

• Investing in new facilities, including a proposed organics composting site.

• Ensuring services remain available, accessible and affordable through delivery models that reflect community benefit, current usage and changing needs.

• Supporting waste reduction, resource recovery, social enterprise partnerships and the establishment of local reuse programs.

• Helping households recycle more and send less to landfill, easing cost pressures on Council and community.

More than 900 residents contributed to the plan through surveys, drop-ins and targeted consultation. Community feedback consistently highlighted the need for improved recycling options, expanded kerbside services and education. Ongoing engagement will continue as the staged actions are implemented.

The mayor added that the plan also sets the region up to manage rising waste costs in a fair and practical way.

“Council offers a broad range of waste and recycling services to support large and smaller communities. Our aim is to ensure we provide services that are accessible, affordable and align with the needs of our community now and in the future,” she said.

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