Shellharbour City Council has renewed its waste collection contract, awarding the service to Remondis Australia Pty Ltd following a joint tender process with Wollongong City Council.

The new contract will start on 1 July 2027 and run for seven years, with options to extend for up to three additional one-year terms.

Council says the long-term agreement will provide reliable, cost-effective waste services while ensuring continuity for residents.

Mayor Chris Homer said households can expect no changes to their current bin collections.

“Residents can be assured that the waste services they rely on will continue as usual, while positioning Shellharbour for future improvements that support a cleaner and more sustainable city,” Homer said.

He said the contract also delivers access to modern vehicles and systems, while supporting local employment and investment across the Illawarra.

Under the agreement, existing services will continue in line with Council’s Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy 2024–2034, which aims to reduce landfill, cut carbon emissions and increase the reuse of materials.

The strategy encourages correct use of recycling and FOGO bins to divert organic and recyclable waste from landfill.

Council is targeting an 80 per cent resource recovery rate by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050.

According to Council’s 2024–2025 Annual Report, reduced contamination in recycling and FOGO bins has already helped divert around 55 per cent of waste from landfill.

Residents will also see a number of improvements under the new contract, including a modernised collection fleet featuring hybrid and hydrogen-powered trucks, upgraded technology to improve efficiency, and enhanced online services to make booking bulky waste collections and accessing information easier.

Council said working alongside Wollongong City Council and engaging a local provider will help keep jobs in the region and strengthen collaboration across the Illawarra.