Moira Shire Council is crediting residents for setting a new standard in sustainable waste management, with the community on track to divert 80 per cent of household waste from landfill by 2030 to align with the state and national targets.
The transition to fortnightly landfill waste collection, combined with the Council's four-bin kerbside system, is driving the Shire's overall waste diversion rate. From February to June this year, kerbside organic waste collection across Moira increased by 36 per cent, while waste going to landfill dropped by up to 21 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.
Council is pleased to report that increased use of the organic kerbside service has not significantly affected contamination rates. Since the change in collection frequency, the average contamination rate from February to June was 0.78 per cent, only a slight increase from 0.71 per cent during the same period last year.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson PSM commended residents across the Shire for their ongoing efforts to reduce waste and embrace recycling.
"Our residents are truly leading the way in sustainability - their care for the environment and willingness to adopt the four-bin system is making a real, measurable difference. It's their dedication that is helping Moira Shire build a cleaner, greener future for everyone and we thank everyone for their continuing efforts to reduce waste."
Council has also seen an increase in requests for compostable bags and kitchen caddies, meaning more residents are diverting food waste from their landfill bins. Compostable bags will be delivered to residents in coming weeks, and caddies and additional bags are available from Council offices in Cobram and Yarrawonga, Numurkah Learning Centre and Barmah Heritage Centre.
Soft plastic drop-off point collections are also increasing, with over 70,000 litres (nearly 600 full bins) of soft plastic diverted from landfill since July 2024. Textile and clothing drop-off points have diverted 18 tonnes so far.
The four-bin system enables residents to:
- Compost food and garden organics
- Recycle paper, cardboard, plastics, and metals
- Separate glass for dedicated recycling
- Reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill
