Macedon Ranges Council plans to improve recycling and reduce landfill

MACEDON RANGES Council is hoping a new waste management strategy will drive more efficient collection of waste and recycling.

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MACEDON RANGES Council is hoping a new draft waste management strategy will drive more efficient collection of waste and recycling in the shire.

The strategy found existing kerbside collection services were well used and the introduction of green bins in 2012 had lowered the amount of waste being transferred to landfill.

But the strategy found too much waste was still going to landfill, some of which could be recycled.

DO YOU MAKE A CONSCIOUS EFFORT TO RECYCLE: TELL US BELOW.

Councillor Roger Jukes said the council was working towards more efficient and sustainable waste management practices.

“The new strategy will explore ways we can prevent major types of waste going to landfill, such as paper, glass, plastics, garden and kitchen organics, household goods and hard rubbish.”

The review found high levels of contaminants in green waste and recycling bins, meaning the bins could not be accepted by recycling outlets. Cr Jukes said this could mean higher landfill costs being passed onto the council.

“Current levels of contamination — wrong things in bins — indicate potential for the council and the community to better manage waste,” Cr Jukes said.

“Everyone can do their bit and if we work together, the Macedon Ranges will remain a beautiful place to live well into the future.”

The strategy will be open for public comment later in the year.