Kerbside recycling will resume in the Borough of Queenscliffe from Monday 16 December, after all five G21 councils signed a landmark agreement with Cleanaway this week.
Cleanaway will take over the processing of the region's kerbside collected recyclable materials - including paper, glass, metals and plastics. As part of the agreement, all parties have committed to developing innovative local uses for recyclables collected, with an aim to expand the circular economy within the region.
"Getting our recycling system back on track requires teamwork," said Borough of Queenscliffe Mayor Cr Ross Ebbels. "That's why our five councils are working together on a regional recycling approach, and why we're asking residents to take extra care with sorting their recycling."
Cleanaway agreed to work with the councils to identify local secondary markets to maximise the sustainable reuse of recyclables, with an initial focus on the reuse of glass.
Councils are calling on residents to do their best to put the right thing in their yellow lid bin, to avoid contaminated recycling going to landfill. Plus, the agreement includes discounts for councils with low contamination rates.
"Our residents have been excellent recyclers in the past, so we know they'll take the time to review the new recycling guidelines at thinkrecycle.com.au," said Cr Ebbels.
There are some minor changes to what can and can't go in the yellow lid bin:
- WHAT'S IN -
- Empty clean rigid plastic bottles and containers labelled 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5; lids separately
- Clean paper and cardboard
- Clean steel food cans, aluminium cans and foil
- Clean glass bottles and food and sauce jars with their lids placed in the recycling bin separately.
- WHAT'S OUT -
- Coated cardboard cartons that are used to package milk, soy milk, juice and various other liquids
- Bagged material in any type of plastic bag
- Soft plastic packaging such plastic bags, bread and frozen food bags
- Polystyrene packaging
- Plastic toys
- Metal pots and pans
- Clothing and footwear.
- EXTRA TIPS -
- If you're not sure if a plastic can be recycled, give it a squeeze! If it goes back to its original shape, it's a rigid plastic and is safe to put in your recycling bin
- Food containers need a quick rinse
- Make sure to keep your recycling loose and not in plastic bags.
- Keeping our recycling system free of contamination is essential. When it comes to what you can recycle - if in doubt, throw it out.
