Local Waste Audit to Support Smarter Waste Management in Cowra

Published on 19 January 2026

Local Waste Audit to Support Smarter Waste Management in Cowra

Cowra Shire Council, together with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), has received funding to carry out a community waste audit in the coming months. The audit will help Council better understand what is being placed in household bins and how local waste, recycling and organics services can continue to improve for everyone.

As part of the audit, a small number of households across Cowra will be randomly selected on their usual bin collection day. A separate vehicle (not a Council truck) will collect these bins. The contents will then be safely bagged, weighed and sorted so Council can see how much waste, recycling, and food and garden organics are currently going into each bin type.

To make sure the results reflect normal household habits, residents will not be told in advance if their bin is chosen. No addresses or personal details will be recorded at any stage. Council is committed to protecting the privacy of all community members throughout the process.

Mayor Paul Smith said the audit will play an important role in planning for Cowra’s future waste services. “Understanding what’s really going into our bins helps us make better decisions for the whole community. This audit will give us the information we need to improve services, reduce waste and support a more sustainable future for Cowra.”

Residents who do not want their bins included in the audit can opt out by contacting the Materials Recovery Facility on 6340 2140 or by using the Ask Anthony feature in the MRF App and advising which address should be excluded.

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