Waste: Where does it go?

What happens to my garbage?

Warrnambool residents throw out a total of 5,226 tonnes of garbage annually through their domestic garbage bins which is taken to the Naroghid landfill (located between Camperdown and Cobden).

After the garbage is taken to the landfill, large earth moving equipment spreads out and compacts the waste. This is covered regularly to prevent odour, litter blowing away or scavenging by animals and birds.

Modern landfills are designed to specifically prevent leaching of residues but unfortunately the same technology that stops leaching also blocks air and water from entering the landfill and thus the breakdown of materials is hindered.

When organic materials break down at the landfill they create CO² and methane which becomes a potent greenhouse gas.

What happens to my recyclables?

Recyclables are transported to a materials recycling facility where they are sorted and processed ready to be used in the manufacture of new products. Warrnambool’s domestic recycling is transported to VISY Geelong.

For more information visit VISY Recycling

• Paper and cardboard - remanufactured into packaging, insulation, building products and newspaper.
• Milk and juice cartons - become writing paper and photocopy paper.
• Plastic drink bottles - used to produce fleecy jackets, plastic pipes and clear film for packaging.
• Glass - sorted into colours and used in the production of new glass bottles.
• Aluminium and steel cans - recycled to make more cans.

Did you know?

Recycling an aluminium can saves 95% of the energy used to make a can in the first place.