sustainable penrith indicators

Sustainability Indicators
 

Principle 4:

Enable communities to minimise their ecological footprint

Objective:

We use our resources wisely, and take responsibility for our levels of consumption

Indicator PC13:

Percentage of domestic waste diverted from landfill


2006/2007 Data

Why use this indicator?

Disposal of waste depletes natural resources and the continuation of current patterns of waste disposal is unsustainable.

A range of opportunities exist to divert waste from landfill including recycling, reuse and composting. Opportunities also exist to reduce the quantity of waste generated via waste avoidance. With an increasing population it is vital that actions be undertaken to minimise waste.

This indicator can identify how much waste is thrown away and how much is recycled.

What is the current situation?

31% of domestic waste was diverted from landfill. This comprises 22% of recyclables collected from household, and 9% of general garbage being processed through alternative waste treatment facilities to generate electricity, extract recyclables and provide low grade compost.

Recycling levels have increased since the implementation of the commingled recycling service in 2006, from levels of approximately 18% to 22% of total domestic waste. The processing of waste through AWT (Alternative Waste Treatment) facilities did not occur through 2006-2007.

The graph below outlines the amount of garbage and recyclables generated per capita each year within the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA). During 2007-2008, a portion of the garbage that Council sent to landfill was diverted to the UR-3R AWT facility, by choice of the waste disposal authority.

Garbage and Recyclables Generated Per Capita

Garbage and Recyclables Generated Per Capita

What is the desired trend?

Total domestic waste collected per person decreases while the proportion of waste diverted from landfill for reuse and recycling increases.

What does this mean for the Sustainability of Penrith City?

The increasing amount of waste generated in Penrith is putting pressure on our environment. There is limited landfill space to accommodate waste and the cost of disposal is ever increasing.


2007 - 2008 Response - On Track


 

 

Status Legend

 

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