Waste management out bush

Good waste management practices in remote Indigenous communities are important but they are hard to get going and sustain. High costs, few transportation options and sporadic waste collection services are just some of the issues faced. Poor economies of scale put the initial and ongoing costs of waste management outside the reach of many small communities, their Councils or Resource Agencies. Local conditions, perceptions and environmental factors specific to remote communities mean standardised solutions are often inappropriate.

• Rubbish bins may have to be designed to be dog proof as well as portable enough to be hoisted onto the back of a truck to be emptied.
• Waste landfill sites need to be selected and managed well to cope with floods, winds, fire and feral animals.
• The heavy equipment required to secure waste may not be available
• The personal hardware available at the community store is generally inadequate for managing domestic waste.
• The waste cycle has significantly higher economic costs for remote communities.

A range of research and project documents in the area of waste management can be accessed by clicking on the waste Research link

A selection of useful resources and web links can be accessed by clicking on the waste Resources link.