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New bin service starts next week - banner
Hi there,
Welcome to the latest 'Let's get sorted' eNews.

Since the launch of the four bin system in February this year, together we have saved 3,210 tonnes of organic waste from landfill which has been turned into nutrient-rich compost used on farms, parks and gardens across the state.

 

This has resulted in a reduction of 5,056 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent in greenhouse gas emissions, compared to last year. This would provide enough electricity to power 856 houses for one year.

 

Our new glass-only bins have saved 831,200 kilograms of glass from landfill which has been used in Victorian roads and construction.

 

We look forward to sharing more recycling updates with you.

Help our bin mascot find a name and win!

Our new bin mascot has started making their way around the shire without a name. This is where we need your help.

 

We are looking for a creative name that fits their personality and purpose.

  • When wearing their FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) hat, our bin mascot loves to collect all food and garden waste and turn it into compost for local farms, parks and gardens.
  • When wearing their recycling hat, our bin mascot loves to collect recyclable materials and turn them into new items.
  • When wearing their glass-only hat, our bin mascot loves to collect glass only and turn it into roads and new glass items.
  • When wearing their general waste hat, our bin mascot loves to collect the left over items that can’t yet be recycled or composted and takes them to a landfill facility.

For your chance to win a compost bin or worm farm, make sure you get your entry in by 4pm on Friday 14 August.

Enter now →
Plastic Free July

We are half way through Plastic Free July.

 

Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

 

Have you been saying no to single use plastics this month? It's not too late to get involved, every effort counts.

Wash Against Waste Trailer

This exciting project is a joint collaboration between Council and Macedon Ranges Sustainability Group (MRSG).

 

The Wash Against Waste trailer comes equipped with industrial washing facilities, reusable cutlery and crockery to cater events up to 5000 people. This means no single use cutlery, plates and cups, resulting in waste free events and reducing litter across the shire. More information to follow.

Helping households recycle more

As part of the Working for Victoria program, new staff members have joined the Resource Recovery Team in the positions of Waste Audit Officers. Visual bin inspections across the shire are a core function of these new roles to assist residents in sorting waste and recycling right.

When officers spot incorrect items in a bin, the bin will be tagged with information about the wrong items and how to dispose of them correctly. Residents are asked to remove the items before the bin is emptied. This process is ensuring the correct materials are making it into the truck and off to the right local processing facility to be recycled or turned into compost for farms, parks and gardens.

Find out more →
Thank you for your feedback

During June we asked for your feedback on the direction of the new Waste Management Strategy. We had a great response with over 120 responses to the survey. Our Draft Kerbside Collection and Associated Services Charge Policy was also up for public review and comment.

 

We would like to thank residents for their feedback as we work together towards a sustainable and responsible future. The draft Waste Management Strategy will be available to view and provide feedback on later this year.

Support for local op shops

Donating to op shops is a great way to encourage reuse and keep unwanted items out of landfill however, if the correct processes are not followed it can create a financial burden on these not for profit organisations and a strain on volunteers.

 

Council is partnering with local op shops and charity stores to stop illegal rubbish and unwanted items dumping.

Every store is different with what they can accept, Council encourages all residents to check before you donate to make your donation count. We are #InThisTogether, let’s free up op shops to help our most vulnerable community members.

Donating tips →
Modern cloth nappies 101 online workshop

Are you curious about modern cloth reusable nappies? Did you know on average one child will go through over 6,000 disposable nappies, taking hundreds of years to degrade?

 

Whether it is for cost savings, environmental impact by reducing waste, or the health benefits for your child, join Elana from Cloth Nappy Workshops Melbourne to discover the world of modern cloth nappies. She will take you through everything you need to know to get started with cloth nappies.

 

10.30am-12pm, Saturday 8 August. Bookings essential.

Register here →
Recycle for free at your local transfer station

Three Transfer stations across the sort materials into recyclable and non-recyclable streams for re-use or disposal to landfill.
 

There are many items you can recycle for free at your local transfer station including:

  • E-waste: televisions, computers, whitegoods (fridges, freezers) and other household appliances.
  • Batteries and light globes
  • Excess household recycling (paper, cardboard, glass, rigid plastics and metals).
  • Scrap metal
  • Excess green waste.

General waste and other items can be disposed. Fees may apply.

Find out more →
Recycling spotlight: E-waste
  • E-waste is any electronic item that has a plug, battery or cord.
     
  • Australia is one of the world’s top ten consumers of electronic goods, buying more than 4 million computers and 3 million televisions every year.
     
  • 95-98% of the components in your computer or television can be fully recycled.
     
  • Recycling one million mobile phones would rescue an estimated 15–16 tonnes of copper, 340–350 kilograms of silver and 24–34 kilograms of gold from going to landfill.

Is there a particular item or material you would like to see in the recycling spotlight? Let us know by emailing Resource_Recovery_Admin@mrsc.vic.gov.au

Learn more →