The City of Mount Gambier will trial a new recycling initiative, installing 12 dedicated container collection units on six public bins in high foot traffic locations to make it easier for community members and groups to collect eligible 10 cent refund containers and support resource recovery.
The trial, approved at the Council meeting on Tuesday 21 July 2026, will test the effectiveness of a 'bin bypass' system designed specifically to hold eligible drink containers outside public bins.
The initiative follows a Council resolution in March 2026, after a Notice of Motion from Councillor Josh Lynagh requesting Council staff investigate options to improve public access to containers eligible under South Australia's Container Deposit Scheme.
Councillor Lynagh welcomed Council's support for the trial, which originated from his proposal to explore practical ways of increasing recycling opportunities in public spaces.
"This trial is about making it easier for community members and local groups to access containers that would otherwise end up in landfill, while encouraging more people to participate in recycling," Councillor Lynagh said.
"It also provides a more dignified way for people who rely on container refunds for income to collect eligible containers, without having to search through public bins."
"By testing the concept first, Council can gather local data and community feedback to determine whether it is something worth expanding in the future," he said.
Unlike open basket-style receptacles, the recommended bin bypass units are designed to securely hold bottles and cans while reducing the likelihood of general waste being deposited in the collection points.
City of Mount Gambier Acting General Manager City Infrastructure Jeremy Martin said the trial aligned with Council's commitment to reducing waste and encouraging recycling across the community.
"Trialling dedicated container collection units provides an opportunity to explore practical ways of increasing resource recovery while making it easier for individuals and community groups to access refund containers," Mr Martin said.
"The trial will help Council assess community use, maintenance requirements and any operational impacts before considering whether there is merit in expanding the initiative in the future."
The proposed trial would involve the installation of 12 metal units, with two units attached to six public bins located in areas of high pedestrian activity throughout the Central Business District (CBD), including the Cave Garden/Thugi, Commercial Street East and West between Ferrers and Elizabeth Street and outside Mount Gambier Central on Helen Street Mount Gambier.
The total estimated cost of the trial is less than $2,000, including purchase and installation.
Environmental Sustainability Business Partner Aaron Izzard said the trial would provide valuable information about how the community interacts with the system.
"Monitoring the trial will help us understand whether the units are being used as intended, whether they assist in recovering eligible containers and what level of maintenance may be required," Mr Izzard said.
"There is growing community interest in initiatives that support recycling outcomes, and this trial will enable Council to gather local data before making any longer term decisions."
Council staff will monitor usage and community feedback throughout the trial period. A report detailing the findings and recommendations is proposed to be presented to Council during the first half of 2027.
The initiative supports Council's Strategic Plan 2024 - 2028 priority to collaborate with the community to reduce waste through increased awareness, participation in resource recovery and the promotion of best practice recycling and waste management.
