The Summerhill Waste Management Facility is a progressive, world-class facility which reflects Newcastle City Council's commitment to ecologically sustainable development.

The City of Newcastle has established an environmental education program which, together with the provision of the purpose designed facility, aims to encourage and aid recycling of waste.

Ecologically sustainable development issues relating to material resources, energy, waste and native habitat were integrated into the design methodology of the project.

The architectural solution creates self sufficient, low energy, appropriate technology buildings which conserve finite natural resources and promote renewable resources.

Inherent in the design is the flexibility to allow for potential future growth, change and technological advancement in management of waste. The project has been extremely successful and has received five civic design and construction awards.