Hobsons Bay residents and visitors will soon be able to recycle their plastic and glass bottles, cans and other recyclables at 14 public recycling bins, including two compactor bins in Altona’s shopping precinct in Pier Street as part of a six month trial.
Environmental Sustainability Portfolio Holder and Cherry Lake Ward Councillor Sandra Wilson said the trial, if successful, would be beneficial to the community and the environment.
“Based on the Victorian Litter Report, we estimate 40 per cent of waste collected in the Altona public place recycling trial can be diverted from landfill, which would be a significant environmental achievement and would reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 600 tonnes,” said Cr Wilson.
“A highlight of the trial will be the roll out of two compactor bins, which automatically compress the recyclables. Importantly, the compactor bins can fit up to six times the amount of recyclables of normal recycling bins.
“The focus of the trial, from May to October, is to target drinking beverages such as cans, plastic and glass bottles which are the most common items disposed of in public places that can be recycled.”
Other items that can be recycled in the public place recycling bins include glass jars and plastic and aluminium containers, and steel cans.
Items that cannot be put in a public recycling bin include polystyrene, bags or flexible plastic packaging, broken glass, waxed cardboard, nappies, or food remains including paper with food scraps.
Environmental Sustainability Portfolio Holder and Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Jonathon Marsden encouraged everyone to recycle thoughtfully to ensure the trial is a success and has low contamination rates.
“Previous trials in 2007 and 2010 in Altona and Williamstown beaches, and shopping precincts were not successful due to high contamination rates,” said Cr Marsden.
“For example, while paper and cardboard are recyclable products, items made from cardboard and paper are often contaminated with food waste such as melted cheese or pizza crusts and as a result can’t be recycled.
“A key part of the trial is ensuring people know what can and can’t go in a recycling bin to decrease contamination rates.
“The 14 new recycling bins including two compactor bins will be installed next to existing litter bins. When you are using the public recycling bins, please take note of the signs on the bins that outline what can be recycled.”
Recyclables will be audited and the trial will be evaluated before a decision is made as to whether the program will be expanded across the municipality.
