Shire urges residents to keep up the recycling effort

SURF Coast Shire residents have one of the cleanest recycling records in the state but the council has stressed the need to maintain export standards.

Shire mayor David Bell, also a director of Barwon South-West Waste and Resource Recovery Group, has emphasised the message to households across the municipality to “keep recycling and keep it clean”.

“Council wants to make it clear that our recycling is not being sent to landfill,” he said.

“Along with other G21 councils, contractor SKM Recycling is still accepting our yellow bin recyclables and sorts them to the upgraded standards now required by the Chinese market.

“But to maintain the process we need those recyclables to have as little contamination as possible. That means having waste sorted correctly, with the right waste in the right bins.”

Surf Coast Shire’s recycling contamination rate is less than five per cent, which ranks among the lowest in Victoria.

At the same time, audits have shown that up to 20 per cent of recyclable materials are still ending up in general waste bins.

“People are already doing a great job, but we need to continue to Think Recycle, and make any improvements where possible.

“Maintaining the good work ensures we divert as much as possible from landfill.”

Cr Bell has illustrated some basic recycling reminders via a video on the council’s website at surfcoast.vic.gov.au.

People should keep watching the website and the shire’s Facebook page across coming months for more updates and waste tips.