Waste engagement by social media

Waverley Council will use social media to implement a 10-year plan to involve the community in their Waste Engagement Strategy.

Councillor Angela Burrill has coordinated the initiative and said she will collaborate with an advertising agency to raise support and community awareness.

“The Community Engagement Strategy for Waste (CES for Waste) suggests that Council engage with an advertising agency who are prepared to work pro bono on this campaign,” she said.

“This CES for Waste is the starting point for the creation of this social media campaign.”

Ms Burrill said the media strategy will be composed of “colourful and interesting” elements.

“I have suggested that flash mobs of local singers and dancers with a positive clean beach or recycling message could be a great way to make a statement and get everyone to take notice,” she said.

“Council is also going to consider options to set up incentives for recycling at home which provide vouchers to use at local businesses.”

Council are searching for more financial backers.

“Council provide much of the funding for local waste reduction education programs and continue to apply for grants from State Government for specific environmental and educational projects,” said a Council spokesperson.

Ms Burill said: “Bondi Beach is world famous so I invite an advertising agency to create this social media campaign as a great way to make a difference in the community and potentially win awards for excellence in social media.”

In response to the increasing environmental issues of Waverley beaches, Council has set a three-year contract with ‘Dial A Dump’, who will contribute by regularly disposing of green waste in local areas.

The Responsible Runners are one of few charity groups that have become engaged in the environmental strategy plan. Next week they will be awarded $2,000 as part of the Minister’s Conservation Fund by NSW Minister for the Environment Robyn Parker.

“Responsible Runners do an excellent job of cleaning up Bondi Beach and encouraging awareness of the impact of litter on the ocean,” said a Council spokesperson.

“Responsible Runners has contributed with their consistent efforts in promoting the cause and for personally cleaning Waverley waterways, parklands and beaches.”

The Responsible Runners were first nominated for the award by Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith, with the award recognising their commitment to promoting and undertaking the clean-up of local beaches within the municipality.

Ms Burrill, a former executive marketing accountant, said apart of the social media campaign is promoting Council’s short and long-term goals.

“The CES for Waste is the first time a strategy like this has been put together,” she said. “My hope is that this strategy has the effect of increasing recycling rates and cleaning up our streets, parks and beaches.

“The strategy would be reassessed each year and further ideas would be developed to continue to work together to raise awareness of the waste challenge. My hope is that this strategy has the effect of increasing recycling rates and cleaning up our streets, parks and beaches. The strategy would be reassessed each year and further ideas would be developed to continue to work together to raise awareness of the waste challenge.”