What’s in Golden Plains recycling under scrutiny

OFFICERS from Golden Plains Shire are undertaking random spot check on what’s being placed in domestic kerbside recycling bins.

The move comes after recycling services returned to the municipality in December under new provider Cleanaway in a deal brokered by G21 partner councils.

Audits of the previous recycling service found that Golden Plains Shire had one of the worst contamination rates in Victoria. Cleanaway charges significant amounts to dump contaminated loads.

“With recycling back… we all need to start getting back into good practice to avoid contamination,” said mayor Cr Own Sharkey said in December.

“To stop recycling heading to landfill… we need the help of everyone to only put the correct recyclables in yellow lid bins.”

Areas under inspection will be advised before the spot checks take place via letterbox drop with an information pamphlet.

Domestic kerbside bits found to be contaminated will have a sticker placed on them to assist residents on what can and can’t be placed in them in the future.

Data on contamination rates will also be collected and used to guide further information campaigns in the Shire.

Some of the things that cannot be placed in Golden Plain’s kerbside recycling bins include material in plastic bags, coated cardboard cartons, soft plastics, polystyrene, nappies, plastic toys, clothing and footwear and metal pots and pans.

For a full list of what can and can’t be placed in domestic recycling visit thinkrecycle.com.au/a-to-z-guide.