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City of Wollongong
Resident Visitor Business

Fast five: ways to save money and the environment

Friday 27 October 2023

Want to save money and help the environment at the same time? Of course, you do!

Wollongong residents are passionate about the local environment, and with our stunning coastline, iconic escarpment, and incredible Lake Illawarra, we know that Wollongong is a fantastic place to live.

We need our community’s help to work towards the city’s goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The good news is that there’s several ways you can reduce your carbon footprint, while also saving money.

Here’s five ways you can hold onto your wallet and make a difference.

1. Resize your red-lidded bin

We’re encouraging ratepayers to make the most of their FOGO green-lidded bin and yellow-lidded recycling bin to save money on the annual waste charge.

If you’re using your red, yellow, and green bins correctly, it’s possible to downsize your red-lidded bin and pay less in fees.

How does it work?
  1. Use your FOGO caddy and green-lidded bin. We know from our waste audits that red-lidded bins contain roughly 30% organic material that could have gone in your FOGO green-lidded bin. There’s loads of room for improvement.
  2. Reduce waste in your red-bin by recycling by using your yellow-lidded bin. Here’s the list of what can and can’t go in your yellow-lidded bin.
  3. Once you’ve got FOGO and recycling down pat, you’ll have extra space in your red-lidded waste to landfill bin.
  4. You can then use the Wollongong Waste App (download from the Apple Store or Google Play Store), jump online or call Remondis on 1300 362 360 to apply to resize your bin.
What are the cost savings?

If you downsize from a 240L bin ($847/year) to the next size down, you could save yourself $400 in fees each year! Visit the Wollongong Waste Website or download the Wollongong Waste App to find out more.

2. Sort and save problem waste

Council charges fees on all waste that enters landfill. We do this because landfill is a finite resource and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, we want to encourage people to recycle and be more mindful of their problem waste.

Instead of paying to dump problem waste at Whytes Gully, Wollongong’s Waste Depot, we suggest you try one of these options:

These options will save you money and they’re easy to use. Simply, double check what can and can’t be dropped off for free at the CRC, CRS or picked up at your next on-call household cleanup.

3. Buy plants for great prices

The Wollongong Botanic Garden Nursery has an extensive range of local trees, shrubs, ground covers and grasses, as well as worm farms and compost bins for sale.

If you’re not sure what to buy for your garden, you can speak to our friendly, expert horticulture staff who are on hand to provide plant advice on the day.

This service is a ratepayer subsidised service, so to access it, you will need to bring a current Wollongong City Council rates notice is required on the day as proof of residency.

Visit the Greenplan Plant Sale web page a week before each sale for a list of species available and prices as well as upcoming sales dates.

4. Adopt a street tree

We're planting more trees across Wollongong to help cool and beautify our streets. Residents who’d like a free street tree planted on the public verge in front of their homes, can do so.

How does it work?
  • Contact us to request a free street tree in front of your home (using the online form or by calling Council on 4227 7111).
  • Council’s Arborists will provide you with a shortlist of trees that suit your location.
  • We don't just plant any tree! The trees we recommend are based on many factors at each location and will consider things like:
    • power lines
    • views/sight lines
    • location of underground services
    • soil type and condition
    • width and depth of your verge
    • traffic signals and signage visibility for road users
    • adjacent land (e.g. natural areas) and much more.
  • We'll come out and plant your new tree. This may take some time as we usually plant in autumn and spring when the trees have the best chance to thrive. Timing also depends on our ability to source different tree species.
  • All we ask in return is for you to care for your tree, give it plenty of water while it settles in, and let us know if it needs a prune or doesn't look healthy.

Ready? Request your street tree today!

5. Worm farm or compost at home

We’re teaching residents how to turn their food waste into great garden compost! The best part, participating Wollongong LGA residents will be able to take a worm farm or a composting kit home with them for free (worms not included).

To attend you’ll need to confirm your place by booking a ticket via Eventbrite.

Worm Farming Workshops dates & times
Composting Workshop
Bokashi Composting Workshop

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