Wagga Wagga City Council is encouraging residents in rural townships and rural-residential areas to have their say on future kerbside waste collection services across the Local Government Area.

During the month of November, Council staff will be heading out to villages and rural communities to chat to residents about how they currently manage waste in their household, and what services could be improved to assist with waste management.

The community consultation will help shape the next Kerbside Collection Contract, which is due to begin in 2027/28.

Council’s Resource Recovery Facilities Manager Andrea Baldwin said the consultation is a key step in understanding whether extending kerbside collection services to rural areas that are not currently covered, would be practical and beneficial for residents.

“We know that waste needs across our community are diverse,” Ms Baldwin said.

“Some rural residents manage their own waste or use transfer stations, while others may have interest in a more convenient kerbside collection service.

“This consultation is about hearing directly from those communities before any decisions are made.”

The upcoming Kerbside Collection Contract will be in place for 10 years, meaning this consultation provides a rare opportunity for rural residents to influence how services will look for the next decade.

“If rural areas aren’t included now, it may be a long time before we revisit these arrangements,” Ms Baldwin said.

“That’s why it’s so important that people take a few minutes to share their views, even if they don’t currently generate a lot of waste. Every perspective helps us design a service that reflects local needs.”

Council is hosting a series of pop-up consultation sessions throughout November, where residents can speak directly with staff, ask questions and share feedback.

Come and chat with us!

• Wednesday 5 November, 5:30–7:30 pm – Collingullie Hall

• Thursday 6 November, 5:30–7:30 pm – Currawarna Community Centre

• Saturday 8 November, 9:00 am–12:00 pm – Oura Hall (during the Car Boot Sale)

• Wednesday 12 November, 6:00–8:00 pm – Humula Citizens & Sports Club

For those unable to attend in person, an online survey is also available on Council’s Have Your Say Wagga site.

Ms Baldwin said the consultation would also help Council prepare for future waste management requirements, including the NSW Environment Protection Authority’s mandate that all households with a residual waste (red lid) bin must have access to a food organics and garden organics (FOGO) service by 2030.

“It’s important to understand that not all areas are suited to kerbside collection services. There are practical considerations, like truck access and the layout of rural roads.

“In some areas, for example, a shared collection point might be more suitable than individual bins at each property. By sharing this feedback now, residents can help us find solutions that are both efficient and realistic for each area.

“This is your chance to shape how waste services work in your community for years to come. Whether your priorities are cost, convenience, or environmental outcomes, we want to hear from you.”

To complete the survey or learn more about upcoming consultation sessions, visit our Have Your Say Wagga webpage.