Huon Valley Council expects to pay an additional $30,000 in recycling processing fees this year due to increased recycling contamination. This affects all ratepayers.
“Recycling properly means less cost and a more sustainable environment,” Mayor Sally Doyle has said. “If in doubt, leave it out”.
An audit of kerbside recycling bins in the Huon Valley showed that the most common contaminants are plastic bags, bagged waste, clothing, and long-life cartons. Other contaminants include food and food-soiled packaging as well as nappies and batteries, all of which add time, cost and hazards to the sorting process at the materials recovery facility in Derwent Park.
“With contamination rates at 18% in Southern Tasmania, we need to do better to protect both our environment and our wallets,” Mayor Doyle emphasised.
Council offers free recycling at all Huon Valley Waste Transfer Stations, giving residents the opportunity to save money by separating their waste. If you are unsure about what can be recycled, information can be found on Council’s website at www.huonvalley.tas.gov.au/waste
National Recycling Week begins on 11 November and Council will be sharing more resources and tips to help the Huon Valley recycle right. For now, we ask the community to take the following two simple actions:
- Leave recycling loose -do not use bin bags.
- If in doubt, leave it out.