Wollongong’s Bold Move Toward a Greener Future: Why This Waste Tender Matters More Than You Think
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Tuesday 23 December 2025
In a decisive leap toward sustainability, Wollongong City Council has awarded a groundbreaking tender for kerbside waste collection services, locking in a decade of progress for the region. But here’s where it gets controversial: while waste management might seem mundane, it’s a cornerstone of public health, environmental protection, and the fight against climate change. Is this tender just about trash, or is it a transformative step toward a circular economy?
Waste management isn’t just about keeping streets clean—it’s about slashing greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organics and recyclables from landfills. This tender, awarded to Remondis Australia for seven years (with a three-year extension option), ensures that over 89,000 properties in the local government area will receive reliable waste collection services until 2034. But is this enough to meet the community’s growing expectations for sustainability?
The evaluation process, conducted jointly with Shellharbour City Council under a Joint Procurement Agreement, was unanimously endorsed at an extraordinary meeting on 16 December. Lord Mayor Councillor Tania Brown emphasized the importance of this service: “Kerbside waste collection is a fundamental offering, and our community deserves nothing less than a safe, reliable weekly service. But it’s what happens after collection that truly matters—how we manage waste is key to achieving our Net Zero target and building a sustainable Wollongong.”
And this is the part most people miss: the tender isn’t just about picking up bins. It includes FOGO (green lid), recycling (yellow lid), and landfill (red lid) collections, bulky waste pickups, bin supply, and even waste education programs. But will these initiatives be enough to change household habits and reduce landfill waste?
What’s particularly exciting—and potentially divisive—is the tender’s focus on innovation. Eight fully electric or hybrid vehicles will be deployed for ancillary services, and a biofuel trial is underway to explore its long-term viability for collection trucks. Is this a game-changer for reducing carbon emissions, or are we moving too slowly in the face of climate urgency?
The tender aligns with the Council’s Community Strategic Plan 2035 and Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2025-2035, aiming to drive a circular economy and minimize landfill waste. It also commits to ongoing collaboration with contractors to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high service standards. But as we applaud this progress, we must ask: Are we doing enough to future-proof our planet?
This tender is more than a contract—it’s a statement of intent. It reflects the community’s priorities and the Council’s commitment to sustainability. Yet, it also raises questions: How can we ensure every resident embraces FOGO and recycling? What more can be done to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in waste management? We want to hear from you—do you think this tender goes far enough, or is there more work to be done? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
