Mayor Giovanni Italiano with bins for general waste, green waste and recyclables. www.communitypix.com.au d420982
Camera IconMayor Giovanni Italiano with bins for general waste, green waste and recyclables. www.communitypix.com.au d420982 Credit: Supplied/Marcus Whisson

Third bin to tackle waste woes

Natalie Nazarri, Stirling TimesEastern Reporter

In February, the Stirling Times broke the story that household waste was being sent to landfill because of an upgrade to the City’s local recycling facility.

It has since been identified that Atlas Recycling will not re-open its Mirrabooka facility, forcing the City to look elsewhere for a long-term solution.

At its recent meeting, City councillors voted for the three-bin system, which includes a bin for general waste, recyclables and green waste.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

Stirling Mayor Giovanni Italiano said after public consultation, it was identified the new system would best maximise recycling.

‘The three-bin system is also the preferred option of the Waste Authority WA to meet the State Government’s recycling targets and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by local metropolitan authorities,’ Cr Italiano said.

The City’s Surplus Waste Levy Reserve will fund the bin purchase and rollout, which is estimated to cost $12 million.

Collection and processing will cost ratepayers about $37 extra per household per year.

From July 2015, general waste will be collected weekly and co-mingled recycled waste and green waste will be picked up on alternative fortnights.

Properties of more than 400sq m will receive a green waste bin while some units will share bins.

Mirrabooka MLA Janine Freeman said she was glad the City had voted for the new system, but was concerned it would take a year before it was implemented.

‘I was disappointed when it was revealed that the City of Stirling hadn’t been recycling its waste for almost a year and I think residents are right to be upset that they weren’t told about it from the beginning,’ Ms Freeman said.

She also blamed State Environment Minister Albert Jacob for distancing himself from the situation.

Mr Jacob said he launched the State Government’s Better Bins Kerbside Collection Pilot Program to provide $7.5 million in grants to support local governments who introduced a three-bin system.

‘I understand the City of Stirling will be applying for participation in this program and have been in discussions with the Waste Authority,’ Mr Jacob said.