This comprehensive overhaul will empower residents to significantly boost recycling efforts and dramatically reduce landfill waste through improved waste separation.
The new scheme will provide households with two additional bins: a green-lidded bin for food and garden organics, and a purple-lidded bin dedicated to glass recycling.
To promote more conscious waste habits, the council will move to a fortnightly collection for general rubbish, helping residents reduce their environmental impact.
The four-bin system will require residents to sort their waste into distinct categories: mixed recycling, food and garden organics, glass recycling and general rubbish.
This approach aims to streamline the recycling process and maximise resource recovery.
These changes are part of a state-wide environmental strategy, positioning Mitchell Shire at the forefront of sustainable waste management in Victoria.
The new system aligns with Victorian Government legislation that mandates all councils across the state to implement a four-bin system by 2030.
From March 2025, kerbside collections will include:
- Food and garden organics (green lid): collected weekly, 120 litre bin
- Mixed recycling (yellow lid): collected fortnightly, 240 litre bin
- General rubbish bin (red lid): collected fortnightly (alternating with the mixed recycling bin), 120 litre bin
- Glass recycling bin (purple lid): collected monthly, 120 litre bin.
The new approach aims to slash landfill emissions and boost recycling efforts.
Residents can expect to see the introduction of a food and garden organics bin, as well as a separate glass recycling bin.
The food and garden organics bin will accept a wide range of items, from lawn clippings and leaves to food scraps such as fruit peels, coffee grounds, dairy products and even meat bones.
This organic waste will be processed at Repurpose It in Epping, creating nutrient-rich compost that will benefit local gardens and agriculture, fostering a sustainable circular economy in the region.
A recent kerbside bin audit revealed that more than 66 per cent of the average general rubbish bin in Mitchell Shire was filled with food and garden organic material.
By diverting this waste from landfill, the council is taking aim at reducing its greenhouse gas emissions.
It’s a significant move, considering landfill emissions currently make up a whopping 75 per cent of the council’s total emissions.
From March 2025, residents will need to separate glass items from other recyclables.
Residents will be issued a new glass recycling bin sporting a purple lid, which will be collected monthly.
This change is expected to lead to cleaner streams of recyclable materials, ultimately improving recycling outcomes.
The new waste collection system will be mandatory for all major townships and properties along connector roads within the shire.
The council isn’t forgetting about those with special needs, though.
Large households and residents with medical waste will receive support in the form of larger or additional bins.
Before the new system kicks off, residents can expect to receive detailed information on how to use the new bins.
To learn more about the new bin system, visit the council's website at mitchellshire.vic.gov.au/bins
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