Published on 07 July 2020
Campaspe Shire residents have had their say on waste and recycling with almost 400 residents completing the annual Waste in Campaspe – Know Educate Do (WickED) survey.
General Manager Community, Mr Keith Oberin, said Council's WickED survey is conducted annually to keep up to date and better understand community perception and behaviour relating to waste and the environment.
"The survey has provided valuable information on residents' knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to the environment and waste management practices," Mr Oberin said.
Results of the survey will feed into the development of future waste education programs with a focus on any demonstrated knowledge gaps.
"The survey assists us in identifying priority areas of improvement in terms of behaviour change," Mr Oberin said.
Identified areas for improvement include:
- what can and can't be recycled in the yellow bin
- reducing contamination in the recycling stream
- what can be recycled for free at Council's Resource Recovery Centres (transfer stations)
- how to create less waste.
One year after the introduction of food scraps to the garden organics green bin service, 65 per cent of survey respondents now have a green bin, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by diverting organics from landfill.
Other survey findings include:
- 92% of residents put their recyclables into the bin without using a plastic bag
- More than two thirds of residents use one of Council's transfer stations
- 85% of residents take time to sort their unwanted materials before they arrive at a transfer station
- 97% of residents are committed to recycling
- 60% of residents said they recycle even when it requires more effort
- 48% of residents believe the best way to create less waste is to avoid purchasing products with lots of packaging
- The most common way residents contribute to general waste minimisation is by reusing shopping bags.
"By working together to reduce waste and increase recycling, we can achieve a multitude of ecological benefits including less contamination in recovering waste products, cleaner air and a healthier environment," Mr Oberin said.
The full survey results are available on Council's website.
