Waste and recycling in multi-unit developments
There has been significant growth in multi-unit developments (MUDs), mainly in the CBD and inner Melbourne but also in regional Victoria, with almost 12% of dwellings now apartments.
With the growth in new apartment buildings comes the opportunity to be more sustainable with waste and recycling systems.
Emerging waste streams, such as organics and e-waste, also create new considerations in the design and function of buildings.
Better Practice Guide for Waste Management and Recycling
Sustainability Victoria has developed the Guide to Better Practice for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments to improve waste management practices and increase recycling in MUDs.
The guide will assist architects, building designers, developers, building managers, planners and waste management officers to incorporate effective waste and recycling systems into all stages of a development’s life.
Importantly, the guide supports an amendment to the Victoria Planning Provisions and all planning schemes (amendment VC160) which states that waste and recycling facilities in apartment developments should be designed and managed to meet better practice as specified in the guide.
It is also referenced as guidance in the Better Apartments Design Standards introduced by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action to improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments across Victoria.
This comprehensive resource will guide you in how to best store, collect, recycle or dispose of waste streams such as:
- organics
- recyclables
- e-waste
- hard waste
- residual waste (garbage).
Download the resources
Better Practice Guide for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments
A stand-alone resource providing guidance for architects, building designers, developers, building managers, residents, planners and waste management officers to effectively incorporate waste management and recycling in multi-unit developments.
Better Practice Guide for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments – At a glance
A summary version of the guide to effectively incorporate waste management and recycling in multi-unit developments.
MUDs Waste Management Plan checklist
Checklist for preparing waste management plans.
MUDs Waste Management Plan template
Template for preparing waste management plans. This should be used in accordance with the Appendices contained in the Guide to Better Practice for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments.
Better Apartments Design Standards
Government design standards to improve the liveability and sustainability of apartments across Victoria.
Find out more about the design standards on the Department of Transport and Planning website.
Print-ready posters for multi-unit dwellings
Posters for use in bin rooms at multi-unit dwellings. These posters cover different recycling and waste streams as well as instructions for correct disposal. They are available in A1 and A3 sizes and ready to print.
Best practice waste management in multi-unit dwellings (MUDs)
Fact sheets for recycling and waste management in multi-unit dwellings. Developed by Reground in partnership with participating councils in 2023.
How to guides for waste management in multi-unit dwellings (MUDs)
Best practice guides for recycling and waste management in multi-unit dwellings. Developed by Reground in partnership with participating councils in 2023.