New machine to cut down on waste and wait times at recycling centre

COUNCIL is set to double its processing capability, cut down on waste and reduce wait times as part of an overhaul at the Lismore Recycling and Recovery Centre.

It hopes to achieve this with a second processing machine installed at the return and earn bulk site.

The site will reopen on Monday, November 24 with a community barbeque and information session on how the new singulator separates and feeds containers onto the line at a steady rate.

The new machinery coincides with National Recycling Week.

“Our community takes recycling seriously, and National Recycling Week is about making it easier for people to do the right thing,” mayor Steve Krieg said.

 

“Community members turn up with crates, bags and trailers full of recyclables every week to use the Return and Earn bulk site. It is great for families, clubs and fundraisers, and this upgrade supports that effort with faster turnarounds and fewer delays.”

Acting Waste Operations Coordinator Kadijah Runge said the improvements mean better processing and traffic safety.

“The works include refined traffic flow on site for safer entry and exit, clearer site navigation, and system tuning so large bulk returns clear faster,” she said.

“It is a practical upgrade that sets the facility up for the summer surge when families, events and community groups bring in higher volumes.”

Council is also providing information on how residents can cut contamination, and how services are improving.

In Lismore, kerbside collections have delivered 3,562 tonnes of mixed recycling for processing, plus about 200 tonnes of cardboard locally since the closure of Lismore’s Materials Recovery Facility in 2024.

The Local Government area has on average recycled 6.8 million milk bottles, 5.9 million aluminium cans and 2 million glass bottles.

“Lismore recycles at scale. We have collected 3,562 tonnes of mixed recycling and about 200 tonnes of cardboard,” Krieg said.

“That is roughly 231,000 full yellow-lid bins. It shows households are doing the right thing and real material is being recovered.”

To keep up to date with recycling, or to download Council’s A to Z Recycling Guide, go to lismore.nsw.gov.au/Households/Waste-and-recycling/Bin-guide-what-goes-in-which-bin