Caravan Park Waste Minimisation 
and Management Practice Techniques

In 1997, Shoalhaven City Council was awarded a Waste Reduction Grant by the NSW EPA, to conduct a pilot waste minimisation scheme to be trailed in one or more operating caravan parks within the City of Shoalhaven.

The project aimed to produce, with the cooperation of park owners and managers, an educational and management package which allow any caravan park operator to develop and implement a workable waste minimisation system appropriate to their specific needs.

The benefits of implementing a waste minimisation program in a caravan park include a reduction in operating costs as well as reducing environmental impact. A critical element in the success of the overall project was the support and assistance of the caravan park owners and managers in the Shoalhaven.

Shoalhaven City Council sought expression of interest from caravan park operators who were interested in participating in the pilot project. For those parks that became involved in the project, it was necessary to

• supply Council with information on the park size and visitor numbers

• conduct a waste audit

• work with Council staff to identify possible solutions to waste management problems.

It was preferred that within the pilot, caravan parks of differing profiles, in terms of size and location, would volunteer to participate.  Existing waste management practices did not play a significant role in determining participants, rather a willingness to partake in, and implement change.

The Result

The result was a very successful collaboration between Shoalhaven City Council and 5 Caravan Parks within the Shoalhaven.

The project produced a handbook: Caravan Park Waste Minimisation and Management - Practical Techniques that has been widely distributed, and continues to be requested by those in the Caravan Park industry, as far away as Western Australia!  This is testimony to the fact that the information contained in the handbook remains current, valuable and adaptable.

Our friendly staff will be happy to discuss any waste management concerns.