Waste Management is a high priority in Swan Hill. Council is a member of the Central Murray Regional Waste Management Group (CMRWMG) whcih advocates the 'Reduce Reuse and Recycle' principles. There are numerous initiatives in place encouraging our community to reduce waste generation.

To reduce plastic shopping bag use in the Swan Hill region, Council is running a plastic bags exchange one reusable bag for 20 plastic shopping bags, which has been a great success and has been embraced by Swan Hill residents.

Within the next few months a promotion to become plastic shopping bag free in our regional towns will be introduced. The small town traders have embraced this project and Council is working in partnership with Sustainability Victoria to educate and support the regional towns to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.

Council is a Waste Wise organisation and Sustainability Victoria has accredited both the Municipal Library and Splatt Street Offices. Both buildings have reduced office waste, reduced energy usage and now print on recycled paper.  This is an ongoing project to reduce waste in our daily working lives.

Effective Waste Management is a priority for Swan Hill Rural City Council. In 2006 Council identified the need to review the previous Waste Strategy (1997) and conduct an extensive internal review of Waste Management in the Municipality. The review has highlighted Council's commitment to achieving a minimum of 100% cost recovery and reducing green house emissions. The current waste management achievements include significant reductions in the use of plastic bags, and encouraging residents to buy reusable and recyclable packaging.

The 2007 Waste Strategy evaluates current waste management practices and sets targets in conjunction with the region's waste management vision of reducing Council's footprint working towards sustainable development.