The local community are invited to celebrate the opening of the exciting new Community Recycling Centre, Friday 17 November, at Tuncurry Waste Management Centre.

If you’ve visited the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre recently, you’ll know it’s been undergoing some major changes. With a focus on improving recycling and the processing of waste within the MidCoast region, the $4.5million facelift has culminated over the past two years with the master plan concept becoming a reality. This plan has involved closing the old Landfill, constructing the new Transfer Station, and creating a community hub designed to assist and encourage local residents to get involved in rethinking waste.

There are five main projects associated with the overall transformation, which include the construction of the Men’s Shed, relocation of the weighbridge, construction of the new Waste Transfer Station and Community Recycling Centre, as well as new directional signage.

As a result of its transformation the Tuncurry facility is now more ‘user friendly’, providing easy access for all types of vehicles, new sealed roads and a clean and tidy space to easily dispose of waste. Add to that a variety of social and community activities that cater for interests ranging from The Men’s Shed, bike repair and maintenance, home composting, and upcycling, and the Centre becomes a constant hive of activity.

“The transformation means the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre has been successfully repurposed, not just to provide better and more effective waste management but as a place people will enjoy visiting. We encourage the community and drop by, take a look, and get involved in a variety of social activities and workshops,” says John Cavanagh, MidCoast Council’s Manager Waste Health and Regulatory Services.

The official opening will take place on Friday 17 November at 11:30am, to coincide with National Recycling week 13-19 November. Celebrations will include the opening by EPA and MidCoast Council officials and a site tour focusing on the changed operations of the site.

“Local media and community members are encouraged to come along to the opening. It marks a significant milestone in the way waste is managed in the MidCoast Council area, especially for the local community, and is a strong indicator of how we are committed to minimising the impact of our waste on the environment”, John added.

If you would like to attending the opening event please RSVP to Tammy Callaghan at tammy.callaghan@midcoast.nsw.gov.au or 6591 7353, by 10 November.

These projects have been funded by a combination of NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) grants and the former Great Lakes Waste Management Fund. To find out more about the Tuncurry Waste Management Centre, or to find other waste facilities in the MidCoast region, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/waste. For more National Recycling Week activities, visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/events