Recycling matters - how to make the most of your service
MEDIA RELEASE - Recycling matters - how to make the most of your service
July 2015
The Shires of Manjimup, Bridgetown-Greenbushes and Nannup all have a kerbside recycling collection, provided and processed by Warren Blackwood Waste at their facility located in Manjimup.During the sorting process, staff have noted an increase in non-recyclables and are reminding residents of the importance of not placing general waste into their yellow-top recycling bin to avoid contamination of the items which can be recycled.
Mick Giles from Warren Blackwood Waste said that when recycling services first commenced in 2010, the amount of recyclables that were diverted to landfill due to contamination was minimal. "Now we're seeing things like food waste, soiled nappies and syringes coming through when we're sorting recycling," said Mick, "and those things should not be going into the yellow-top recycling bin."
"We've even seen animal faeces, kitty litter and wood ash in recycling bins. Waste of that sort contaminates all of the recyclables collected in that truck load, so the whole lot gets thrown into landfill, rather than being recycled to the source where it should be going."
People are also being asked to re-familiarise themselves with some of the basic principles behind what to do with recyclables and what can and can't can be placed into the yellow top bin. Some of these principles include not bagging recyclables, removing and discarding plastic lids from bottles and jars and rinsing these items out.
Shire President Wade DeCampo emphasised the importance of recycling, both locally and globally, saying "when it comes to recycling, a little bit of effort goes a long way and we can all play our part. It's important to remember the bigger picture - that is - reducing landfill to extend the life of our refuse facilities and sustainably reusing materials to reduce pollution."
"Essentially we're paying for this service through our rates, but the value is really provided by making a conscious effort when it comes to our waste disposal," added Cr DeCampo.
Processed and sorted recyclables are sent to Perth for ongoing transport to markets in the Eastern States and overseas.
For further information, please visit the Recycling page.
