Waste - The Big Picture
Current Status
Currently 49% of all waste in Sydney is generated from the Commercial & Industrial sector and only 28% of this waste is recycled so we need your help.
Why Recycle?
Landfill pollutes the environment and contributes to climate change. Organic waste like food scraps and grass clippings is a growing problem because it produces methane – a greenhouse emission that is 21 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
By recycling, waste that would usually end up in landfill and contribute to climate change, can be used as a valuable resource and made into new products.
Recycling not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but it saves water and conserves valuable non-renewable virgin resources.
To work out the benefits of your recycling, use the Benefits of Recycling Calculator.
Illegal Dumping
Illegal dumping is an environmental, economic and social problem because it:
- Often pollutes our waterways through the stormwater system
- Is a waste of resources because often dumped items can be recycled or reused
- Could be dangerous e.g. discarded needles and syringes
- Can attract vermin such as rats and cockroaches
- Looks unsightly
- Is a financial burden to council and ratepayers.
Litter & Stormwater Pollution
- Rain carries all litter and cigarette butts through stormwater pipes directly into Sydney harbour
- This pollutes our harbour by reducing water quality and harming marine life
- Cigarette butts, particularly after the smoking ban indoors for licensed premises, contribute significantly to the pollution: over 15,000 cigarette butts are found on the streets of Sydney daily
- The City Cleansing Team does an excellent job at cleaning roads and footpaths, but local businesses and the community need to also take responsibility for their own actions
- The 'hotspots' for cigarette butt littering in the City are: Kings Cross, Broadway, Newtown, Martin Place, Pitt Street Mall and Chinatown.
