The NIRW Green Waste Program involves the separation of green wastes (timber, garden and vegetation) at landfill sites throughout the region. The program has helped improve the level of resource recovery services provided to NIRW Member Councils and has also resulted in an increase in diversion of waste from the region's landfills.

The Green Waste Program has also benefited NIRW Member Councils by reducing their green waste processing costs and enabling the smaller Councils to move away from burning green waste. Many private businesses have also been able to individually access green waste recycling services through direct contact with the NIRW Green Waste Contractor.

Shoalhaven Recycling are currently providing a green waste processing service throughout the New England & North West region. NIRW will work closely with Member Councils to increase the amount of green waste processed within the region.

The second stage of the program is to value add to the green waste mulch stockpiles, with some Councils producing quality compost and mulch products which is available for purchase.

The program has be following objectives:

• Maximised diversion of waste from landfill through resource recovery
• Protection of the environment
• Provision of services to all NIRW Councils
• Reduced costs to participating Councils through increased purchasing power from regional collaboration
• Access to resource recovery services for the entire regional community