Dirty nappy worries as Charles Sturt moves to fortnightly collection

Some Adelaide homes could see their bin collection timetables overhauled to make room for better recycling habits. But there are fears it could cause a stink.

Households with children will get larger waste bins, or an additional bin, to dispose of nappies as part of a western council’s bold trial to improve recycling habits.

About 1000 residents will participate in the project, and households with babies and toddlers have the choice of a bigger bin or extra container to dispose of nappies.

The $140,000 trial – which is a joint initiative between Charles Sturt council and Green Industries SA – will start in May 2023.

It comes after the council decided at its last meeting to trial picking up green waste bins weekly and general waste fortnightly.

Parents were divided on the scheme and what it would mean for their household.

Mother of one Gemma-Marie Batzavalis, of Fulham Gardens, supported the trial because it would encourage effective recycling.

“I personally think it is a great initiative because if people aren’t already in the habit of consciously separating their rubbish, they will stay on top of it,” Ms Batzavalis said.

“Conversely, my husband thinks it will be an issue due to the smell of built up nappies.”

Riddleyton resident and mother-of-two Lori Maresca said dirty nappies make up a third of her household waste.

“As a family with a toddler and a baby, we go through multiple nappies a day so a larger waste bin or additional bin would mean that we do not have to worry about the smell attracting flies," she said.

Residents participating in the trial, which would be from either high or low socio-economic areas, can choose to have their general recycle bin upped from 240L to 360L.

Green Industries SA chief executive Prof Ian Overton said the overall waste collection would have positive environmental and economic impacts.

“Any food waste sent to landfill costs more than sending it to compost, both financially and environmentally,” Prof Overton said.

“Trialling a service that can divert food waste into a resource while saving money will directly impact council’s ability to deliver more services and infrastructure.”

The City of Holdfast Bay was the first Adelaide council to trial weekly green bin collection and started a year-long trial, similar to Charles Sturt, in September 2020.

It has extended the trial until April 2022 following its success. Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans was contacted for comment.