Support for Kerbside Recycling Gaining Momentum
As part of 2022/23 budget deliberations, Council is proposing the introduction of a kerbside recycling collection service from January 2023.
Kerbside recycling has been a topic of discussion for some years, resulting in Council’s resolution in January to investigate the introduction of a service. Internal workshops have been held as well as discussions with current and prospective service providers.
“Government policy is changing, with Waste Levy reform underway. We now find ourselves in a position where we must expand our recycling efforts to divert waste from landfill, to reduce the pinch of the levy,” said Mayor Brett Otto.
Prior to the commencement of a recycling collection service, a Materials Resource Facility for the sorting and bulking up of comingled recyclables must be found.
“We have a technologically advanced facility nearby, managed by Cherbourg Aboriginal Council and they are keen to ramp up their operations to accept our recyclables,” said Mayor Brett Otto.
The benefits of a kerbside recycling service will be far reaching, diverting approximately 3,000 tonnes/year of material from landfill. The cost will be partially offset by operational savings. It is anticipated that as much as $300,000 in disposal costs can be saved. The recycling collection service will cost ratepayers as little as $35 per bin per half year if the service commences January 2023.
“Recycling improves the health of our environment by reducing landfill gas and leachate emissions and will support the local economy through job creation at the Materials Resource Facility at Cherbourg,” said Mayor Otto.
Further community engagement will occur over the next six months, addressing kerbside recycling and waste management more generally.
