New resource supports better waste management in urban developments
- Circular economy
- Tools and guides
November 10, 2026
Green Industries SA has today released a new resource to support better waste management and recycling outcomes in South Australia's growing urban developments.
Waste management essentials for urban developments: Mixed-use, multi-unit and medium to high density residential developments provides practical advice for planning, designing and implementing effective waste management systems in new higher density residential and mixed-use developments.
Designed for developers, planning professionals, arch local governments, residents and other stakeholders, the resource outlines better-practice approaches to waste management that can improve environmental outcomes, enhance residential amenity and deliver better value for money.
The resource responds to the increasing pace of urban development across metropolitan Adelaide and key regional growth areas, recognising the importance of incorporating effective waste and recycling systems into developments from the earliest planning stages.
Replacing the 2014 Better Practice Guide for Waste Management in Residential & Mixed Use Developments, the updated resource reflects significant changes to South Australia's waste and recycling industry, as well as developments in the state's planning and regulatory landscape.
It provides practical guidance on common forms of higher density development, while encouraging opportunities to go beyond minimum requirements to increase diversion from landfill, keep valuable materials in circulation and support South Australia's transition to a circular economy.
The resource also encourages early collaboration between developers, local councils, waste management consultants and other stakeholders to ensure waste management systems are considered throughout the planning and design process.
A simple waste management plan template and waste generation calculator accompany the document, helping smaller residential developments estimate how much waste they’ll generate, work out what bins they’ll need and prepare a waste management plan for their development application.
Three case studies from Bohem on Wright Street, Glenside by Cedar Woods and East Park Apartments show how early planning and improvements to existing waste services can make recycling easier for residents and help reduce collection costs.
The release supports the objectives of Accelerating SA's transition to a circular economy: South Australia's waste strategy 2025–2030, which identifies the built environment as a key focus area for improving resource efficiency and advancing circular economy practices.
Learn more about the resource and download the tools and case studies.
