National Recycling Week (9-15 November) is the perfect time for residents and business-people to refresh their understanding of what can and cannot be placed in recycling and green waste bins.
Latrobe City Council collected 7527 tonnes of co-mingled recyclables from kerbsides across the city in the past financial year, but 1373 tonnes (18%) of that was contaminated and had to be disposed of in landfill.
Council also picked up 9539 tonnes of green waste but 400 tonnes (4%) of this was contaminated and taken to landfill.
"The extra waste going to landfill shortens the lifespan of Council's landfill facility and ultimately costs ratepayers money in having to build new landfill cells," Latrobe City Council Chief Executive Officer Steve Piasente said.
In fact, contaminated waste costs ratepayers on average $245,000 each year in landfill fees.
"While it can be confusing to learn about what can and can't be recycled, it's important that we all try to learn what is appropriate to be placed in our recycling bins. Doing so will benefit the community overall by diverting funds for things like road upgrades, open space improvements or libraries."
The top five contaminants in recycling and green waste bins are residents placing recyclables in plastic bags, dirty nappies, bedding such as doonas, pillows and mattresses, syringes and food waste. Clothing, CDs and VHS tapes, building rubble, bubble wrap, garden hoses and polystyrene foam must also be kept out of recycling bins.
Recyclables include glass bottles and jars, newspaper, cardboard and plastic containers. It is also useful to check the item to ensure it has the recycling symbol.
Green waste bins can receive lawn clippings, branches, wooden chopsticks and skewers, tree roots less than 10cm in diameter, weeds and plants.
Soft plastics can be recycled at participating supermarkets in Latrobe City through the 'Redcycle' program. These include plastic bags, packaging and food wrap. Find your nearest collection point online at: www.redcycle.net.au/where-to-redcycle
For the full list of which bin to place your waste in - and to get it right on bin night - check the A-Z Recycling Guide: www.latrobe.vic.gov.au/WasteandRecyclingGuide
