By Tania Martin
YARRA Ranges residents have been given a star for recycling but more work needs to be done to keep rubbish from landfill.
Recent data has shown resident are thinking about their recycling habits.
Mayor Len Cox said more than 1350 tonnes of recyclable material was saved from landfill in June.
He said it was wonderful to see how conscious the community was in doing its bit to reduce landfill.
But despite this, some residents are still putting the wrong items in their recycle bins.
“Loose plastic bags and recyclables in plastic bags are particularly problematic because once items are tied down they cannot be recycled or recovered… recyclables in plastic bags are sent to landfill,” Cr Cox said.
To combat the issue, the council will be doing spot inspections on residents recycle bins and handing out reminder stickers with the message ‘don’t bag recycling’.
Those doing the right thing will also get a ‘you’re a star for recycling right’ sticker.
Cr Cox said the message aimed to provide a friendly reminder and to clarify any confusion over what was appropriate for recycling.
“We want to make sure recycling efforts of residents are not hindered by inadvertently placing the items in plastic bags which will go to landfill instead,” he said.
Instead, Cr Cox said residents can put their recyclables into cardboard box or calico bag. Residents can put glass bottles and jars, aluminium cans and foils, aerosol cans, steel cans, plastic bottles and containers marked with the codes 1-7, milk and juice carton and all types of paper and cardboard into their recycle bins.
Anyone not sure about recycling should contact the shire on 1300 368 333 for more information.
