Waste overhaul

The Shire council voted at a recent meeting to apply to Waste Authority WA for funding to get the new system up and running, at an initial cost of $3.2 million, which includes a third bin for green waste.

If the funding is approved, the Shire will introduce an additional 240-litre bin in October or November of this year. The three-bin system will be preceded and followed by several months of educating ratepayers, clubs and businesses on their use, including mailing out revised collection dates and area maps.

It is estimated that, if implemented, Perth Hills streets would be lined with about 20,000 new bins on collection days.

The aim is to lift the Shire’s recycling and diversion from landfill figures. In May 2013, a waste bin audit identified that the average utilisation of bin capacity is 44 per cent, or 106 litres per week.

The audit also analysed the composition of the waste stream generated by households and found that 17 per cent was recyclable materials and 34 per cent garden organics.

Shire chief executive Rhonda Hardy said the local community supported the rollout of the new system.

‘Significant community consultation was undertaken in regards to our waste services offered,’ she said.

‘The strategy would significantly increase recycling rates, which in the 2013 Community Satisfaction Survey was identified as a high priority for residents.

‘There is significant potential to increase recovery rates by promoting greater source separation of materials by householders.’

Ms Hardy said the process would be the third alteration to the Shire’s waste management and would be similar in size and complexity to when recycling bins were introduced decades ago, and the changeover from verge pick-up to skip bins last year.

Environment Minister Albert Jacob announced in January this year the availability of $7.5 million through the Waste Authority for funding under the Better Bins program.

It is understood five local governments already use the three-bin system in the Perth metropolitan area.