To reduce contamination of recycling, Golden Plains Shire Council is running a recycling bin inspection program.
The inspection program will monitor recycling bins as they are emptied, to help residents understand what can and cannot be recycled, in order to reduce contamination and higher costs. Residents will receive a brochure in their letterbox in advance of any inspection in their area.
As part of the inspection program, bins that contain non-recyclable items will be stickered with helpful information on what can and cannot go in their yellow lid bin. This is to serve as a reminder and to assist in gathering data for educational purposes. The data collected will help Council fine-tune its recycling information campaign.
Council and ultimately ratepayers face increased costs for contamination from materials that should not be in recycling bins. To stop recycling heading back to landfill in the future, Council needs the help of everyone to only put the correct recyclables in yellow lid bins.
Materials that cannot be recycled by Council’s contractor are also a health hazard to workers at the processing facility, as these materials need to be removed by hand.
Common non-recyclables include:
- Bagged material in plastic bags
- Coated cardboard cartons
- Soft plastics
- Polystyrene
- Nappies
- Plastic toys
- Clothing and footwear
- Metal pots and pans
A first trial of the program will begin on Monday 16 March, 2020 in Bannockburn.
Kerbside recycling in Golden Plains Shire resumed in December last year, when Council, City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe and Surf Coast Shire signed a new recycling contract with Cleanaway, following the earlier collapse of SKM Recycling.
Residents seeking information on what can and cannot go in their recycling bin can find a comprehensive list at thinkrecycle.com.au/a-to-z-guide/.