Recycling funding welcomed

Published on 27 February 2020

Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica said Council was looking forward to hearing more details following the Victorian Government’s announcement of funding to assist in the roll out of a four-bin system across the state.

“Moira Shire is at the forefront of waste management, already using three of the four bins identified in this latest government initiative,” he said.

“In 2014 Council introduced a kerbside organic service into the residential areas in our four main towns, in addition to our kerbside waste and recycling bins, and then in the second half of last year, expanded that service to include most residential-zoned properties throughout the shire.
“Ratepayers contribute more than $400,000 a year in state landfill levies and that is expected to increase substantially to fund this new initiative. 
“So it is vital we divert as much waste as possible from our one and only landfill site, not only to extend the life of this site but to keep our levy payments as low as possible.” 

Cr Mustica welcomed the four-bin concept and said removing glass from commingled recycling bins was necessary.
“Glass can become a major contaminant as it breaks and glass fragments stick to other materials, particularly in paper and cardboard,” he said.
“It is very difficult to separate glass from other materials, limiting the recyclability of both the glass and the other materials.
“By collecting glass separately, we can make sure more of it is effectively recycled – with jars and bottles transformed into multiple different products, including new roads and footpaths.
“Separating glass will also reduce contamination in commingled recycling bins, and make sure that paper and plastics can be recovered effectively.”

Cr Mustica said the timing of the roll out would allow for current contracts to be honoured.
“At this stage, we understand the glass recycling bin, or purple-lid bin, will start being rolled out in Moira Shire from 2024 as we will be honouring our existing kerbside contracts, so this is obviously a long-term project,” he said.

This recent announcement is part of a series the State Government was making in relation to the new Victorian Circular Economy Policy.