Current Role and Responsibilities
Peter Windley holds a key leadership position within Shoalhaven City Council’s waste management sector, primarily titled as Waste Operations Coordinator, Project Manager Waste Services, or Team Coordinator Waste Operations. Multiple sources consistently confirm his involvement at a senior operational level overseeing waste and recycling activities within the council. He is responsible for managing a significant team of approximately 56 staff members, leading day-to-day waste operations including materials recovery and landfill management.
He is the document owner and Manager – Waste Services as indicated in council official documents such as the Pollution Incident Response Management Plan (PIRMP) (March 2025), which underscores his managerial authority and accountability for waste services compliance and environmental management.
Industry Expertise and Experience
Peter Windley has extensive experience in the recycling and waste industry, with a demonstrated track record in:
- Project and operations management focused on recycling and waste services
- Leadership in the design and execution of waste operations and circular economy initiatives
- Coordination of major infrastructure projects such as the development of the Shoalhaven Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), projected to operate from early 2026, with a processing capacity of 15 tonnes per hour and anticipated annual throughput of approximately 24,720 tonnes.
- Pioneering recycling innovations, including managing projects that enable remanufacture of 14 tonnes of plastics into value-added products such as tiles, kitchen benches, and tabletops.
- Oversight of landfill use optimisation, incorporating machine guidance technology to improve airspace efficiency and operational productivity.
Key Projects and Public Engagement
Peter Windley is actively engaged in multiple high-profile projects and public-facing initiatives that highlight Shoalhaven City Council’s commitment to sustainability and circular economy principles:
- He served as the coordinator and tour guide for councillors visiting the MRF construction site and other waste management facilities, emphasizing his role as a knowledgeable subject matter expert within the council.
- He has been publicly quoted and featured in various news articles, council releases, and conference presentations, focusing on circular plastics precinct initiatives and community education on sustainable waste management.
- He collaborates with external partners such as the UNSW SMaRT Centre through the Shoalhaven MICROfactorie project, a 'waste to product' recycling facility reflecting cutting-edge innovation.
- Active involvement in trials and installations of emerging technologies, including PFAS remediation technology for water treatment, demonstrating his role in adopting environmental protection technologies.
Professional Recognition and Influence
- He frequently represents Shoalhaven City Council in waste industry conferences and forums, as evidenced by his presentation at the Waste Conference 2022, and his chairperson role in the Waste Contractors & Recyclers Association of NSW meeting held in November 2024.
- His email registered with the council (peter.windley@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au) is cited in council governance documents, affirming his official capacity and accessibility for environmental and operational oversight.
- His coordination extends to environmental risk management protocols, being listed as an after-hours contact and coordinator within official pollution incident response frameworks.
Operational Scale and Impact
Under Peter Windley’s oversight, the Shoalhaven City Council waste services team operates at a notable scale:
- Managing daily operations that encompass materials recovery facilities, landfill management, and waste diversion programs.
- Driving initiatives that aim to significantly divert waste from landfills through innovative recycling projects and circular economy approaches aligned with Shoalhaven Council’s ambitious environmental targets.
In summary, Peter Windley is a senior, technically proficient waste services manager at Shoalhaven City Council with comprehensive operational responsibility, significant team leadership duties, and a demonstrated capacity to spearhead major circular economy and waste infrastructure projects. His professional profile is backed by continuous visibility in council publications, industry events, and public communications, making him a central figure in Shoalhaven's environmental and waste management strategy.
