A kerbside bin audit is being undertaken on the Mornington Peninsula by the Shire's waste contractor, EC Sustainable. Bin audits form part of our waste services contract because the rate the Shire pays for removing contamination from recycling is calculated based on the bin audit results.
The recycling rate is calculated by weighing the contents of randomly selected household bins. This process includes separating the contaminated items and comparing that weight to the total weight of the bin's contents. This provides valuable data regarding the average contamination rate.
The higher the level of contamination, the more the Shire must pay. Following collection, our contractors remove contaminated material from the truck's load and send it to landfill. This process comes at an extra cost.
Last year, we found that the contamination rate had increased. We took this opportunity to roll out a 'Bin it right: Future's bright' educational campaign with the aim to make recycling less confusing for all residents. The campaign included videos explaining how to be a good sort, as well as information on what items residents can dispose of (recycle) for free at our resource recovery centres.
Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro said that regular audits help Council identify where residents might need a little extra guidance on what goes where. "Last year's bin inspections revealed that our contamination rate had increased, which added $1 million to our waste fees. Instead of paying the additional cost for our contractors to dispose of contaminated material, we would prefer to see that money go towards upgrades to infrastructure that benefit our community." Councillor Pingiaro said.
"Contamination in recycling bins doesn't just add cost, it can also lead to dangerous situations. This year, batteries placed in kerbside bins have started at least two rubbish truck fires on the Peninsula, putting neighbourhoods and our drivers at great risk."
What the audit involves
The audit team will check bins left out for collection only. They will take note of how full bins are and look for contamination in recycling and food and green waste (FOGO) bins.
Streets are chosen at random and residents aren't told in advance - this ensures the results reflect normal, everyday bin habits rather than best behaviour on audit day!
We have strict rules in place to protect privacy. We do not record data against any addresses and once the contents of a bin are sorted and weighed, it is then disposed of straight away.
For recycling tips, go to mornpen.vic.gov.au/recycling
