Waste Management

Managing waste streams in isolated communities such as Norfolk Island, poses significant challenges. Many of the conventional solutions used on the mainland are not feasible in this unique Island environment.

Waste Management is coordinated at the island’s Waste Management Centre (WMC). This is a drop-off facility for residents - and visitors - to take their waste. At the centre, waste is deposited into separate chutes depending on the type of waste being deposited. Click here for information about sorting your waste - how to sort your waste, residential waste guide developed by Norfolk Wave.

The officers at the centre process waste as follows:

• General household refuse, including paper, cardboard and plastic, is baled and exported to a landfill
• Glass is processed through small handfed glass crushers and turned into a sand-like product which can be purchased by residents
• Aluminium and steel cans are crushed, stockpiled and exported for recycling
• Car batteries are stockpiled and exported for recycling
• Asbestos is stockpiled and exported for disposal
• Car tyres are shredded, stockpiled and exported for recycling
• Metals waste such as cars are crushed stockpiled and exported for recycling
• Waste oils are decanted into IBCs for export and recycling
• Ewaste is packaged for export and recycling
• Green waste, food scraps and most butchers waste is shredded and composted

Waste Management Centre Opening Hours           

Headstone
From Tuesday 23 November 2021 the Headstone waste facility will be closed to the public. All bulky, construction, demolition and other non-compactable waste is to be delivered to the Waste Management Centre (WMC). An area has been established at the rear of the WMC shed, with waste streams for timber, hard plastic and other non-compactable waste. Note, all steel and aluminium waste products, aside from cans and tins, are to be placed at the scrap metal pile adjacent to the car crusher; green waste is to be placed on the lower level behind the WMC. WMC Staff will be available to assist customers with their questions during this change period. Access to these deposit areas will be open during full WMC operational hours and will be monitored by staff. Standard ticket fees still apply.

A small amount of butchers waste is still deposited at Headstone to assist with shark research being conducted by Flinders University.

Ticket Collection
From Tuesday 23 November 2021, an honesty ticket system was introduced. There is no longer a dedicated ticket collector at the entrance to the WMC. Customers should submit the required number of Waste Management tickets on arrival. A dedicated collection container is provided at the entrance to the shed along with a ticket guide for waste type and load. Community use of the new system will be continually monitored.

Team Leader Waste and Environment
Douglas Drive
Norfolk Island 2899
Phone 22609