Doing the wrong bin is such a waste
16 September 2019
Bin audits across the Tweed reveal we could do much better
Council’s bin inspection team is lifting the lid on unwanted items in the Tweed’s bins to reduce contamination rates and cut down on unnecessary processing costs.
Sorting out contamination in the Tweed’s green bins alone is costing $200,000 a year – that’s ratepayers’ money that could be better spent elsewhere.
Kerbside bin checks by Council staff are in addition to collection truck drivers inspecting green organics and yellow recycling bins during their regular service.
Council’s Resource Recovery Education Officer, Tarra Martel said she has been impressed by the efforts most residents make to put the right items in the right bin.
“Bins that have correct items in them receive ‘thank you’ cards. Rewards such as liners and reusable shopping bags are also handed out for residents that are doing their bit,” Ms Martel said.
However, she noted that there are still a significant number of households doing the wrong thing.
“Bins that have unwanted items in them may receive a bin contamination sticker, and will not be collected until the contamination is removed by the resident.
“A letter is sent to residents to help them understand what needs to be done to fix the situation. Ongoing issues at the same property will result in the bin not being collected, however costs associated with the bin will still be charged,” she said.
Ms Martel said plastic bags in both the green and yellow bins is the biggest issue.
“Plastic bags cause sorting machinery to break down and add extra costs to the bin as they need to be pulled out by hand, which ends up being paid for by residents.
“And contrary to some beliefs, our recyclable and organic materials are not going to landfill. The only things going to landfill from these bins are the incorrect items, such as, plastic bags. Just a few people doing the wrong thing can have a negative impact, which costs a lot of time, money and resources to fix,” she said.
There also continues to be a lot of confusion in the community about what bags can be used in the green bin. There are simple guidelines to follow to ensure your green bin won’t be rejected.
“If you are using bags, only use compostable bags with the Australian Standard AS 4732. These bags have the seedling image and are visibly green which can be easily identified as not being a plastic bag,” she said.
The best solution is to stop using bags altogether and just rinse your kitchen caddy out after you empty it into your green bin, or use newspaper to line your bin.
If you are not sure if you are using the right bags or you have questions about what goes in each bin email waste@tweed.nsw.gov.au or visit www.tweed.nsw.gov.au/Waste/RedYellowAndGreenBins
Downloads
Photo 1(JPG, 807KB)
Caption: Council's Resource Recovery Education Officer Tarra Martel wants to encourage residents to put the right things in the right bin.