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 creates new considerations in the design and function of buildings.
Better Practice Guide for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments
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 and our online waste generation calculator 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 Environment Land, Water and Planning 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).
Online calculator – multi-unit and commercial development waste and recycling generation rates
The calculator complements the Guide to Better Practice for Waste Management and Recycling in Multi-unit Developments and will help with estimating the number of garbage and recycling bins, and other infrastructure required for multi-unit and mixed use commercial developments.
Guidance for local councils
The Metropolitan Waste and Resource Recovery Group (MWRRG) has developed a toolkit to assist local councils to adopt and implement waste management planning considerations for multi-unit developments 3 storeys and below into their planning approvals process.
For more information, visit the Multi-unit developments toolkit page on the MWRRG website.
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.