Wagga Wagga City Council has secured $86,121 in NSW Government funding to install a new expanded polystyrene (EPS) compactor at the Gregadoo Waste Management Centre.

The announcement was made by the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on 15 August 2025.

The upgraded machine, funded through the NSW EPA’s Landfill Consolidation and Environmental Improvements Grants Program, will replace the GWMC's current, smaller unit and significantly boost capacity to process polystyrene from local and regional sources.

The new machine will divert more material from landfill, cut waste, and support remanufacturing into products like skirting boards, cupboards and picture frames. It is expected to be operational by November 2025, with the purchase and installation to form part of a wider suite of upgrades designed to equip the Centre for the city’s future waste needs.

Residents and businesses can continue to drop off polystyrene free of charge. To make sure these materials can be recycled effectively, Council is asking the community to take a few simple steps when preparing loads. These steps include:

• Breaking down packaging
• Removal of tape and labels where possible
• Keeping materials clean, dry, and covered during transport

Customers are also asked to advise the weighbridge if they are carrying recyclables, and to follow instructions when directed to the transfer stations.

Find the full list of accepted recyclables at wagga.nsw.gov.au/gwmc, and a copy of the Wagga Wagga City Council Media release for this announcement, linked below.

• Media Release - EPA Funding Awarded for GWMC Polystyrene Machine - 22 August 2025