Maitland breaks ground on recycling revolution

Maitland City Council has turned the first sod on the Maitland Resource Recovery Facility, a long awaited project set to dramatically improve Maitland's recycling and circular economy capabilities.

The four stage project will enhance the recycling process and improve community access to the Mount Vincent Waste Management Centre, with Stage 1 of the works kicking off in the coming days.

Initial works at the site include the construction of sealed roads and drop off areas that will improve the customer experience and expand the range of recycling materials accepted onsite.

Speaking at the sod turning, Mayor Philip Penfold said these works will help the community recycle more and they will benefit from the internal road improvements.

‘Residents are going to love this work because it’ll mean they can do more free recycling, the internal roads in the Waste Centre will be better to use, and the site will close less due to wet weather,’ Mayor Penfold said.

‘The new recycling centre will help us reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill and move towards our goal of being more sustainable.’

Council’s Manager Environment & Sustainability, Catherine Pepper, described these works as ‘a positive step’ in Maitland’s journey to a more sustainable future.

‘We’re committed to reducing the amount of waste we produce here in Maitland, and part of that is doing what we can to encourage a more circular economy,’ Pepper said.

‘Now that this project is underway, Council is well and truly on the journey of improving what we can do to recycle more and landfill less. It’s an exciting time for sustainability in Maitland, and the Resource Recovery Facility will help us move toward the landfill diversion goals set out by the State Government.'

The next stages of work include:

• Stage 1: Enclosure of the current Community Recycling Centre and a new open building for problem waste management
• Stage 2: A new weighbridge and upgraded access to Mount Vincent Road Waste Management Centre
• Stage 3: A new sealed resource recovery and transfer building, and a building to process bulky and general waste from kerbside collection
• Stage 4: Upgraded amenities, staff facilities, a community education centre, and a circular economy and reuse centre.

The community need to be mindful of staff instructions and signage regarding construction works at the site, with expected increases in traffic movements and changes to roads and disposal areas.

For more information on the project, visit mait.city/resourcerecovery