First step towards three bins

Councillors agreed to approve the implementation in line with the Waste Authority’s Better Bins Program that separately collects food and garden organics waste for processing.

Currently, City of Wanneroo residents have two 240 litre bins at their home – a dark green domestic waste bin and a yellow-lid recycling bin.

Under the new system, households will use a lime green bin for food organics and garden organics (FOGO), a red lid bin for general rubbish items that cannot be composted or recycled such as nappies, meat trays and hygiene products, and a yellow lid bin for recyclables.

Community consultation has reflected a strong desire for households to choose their rubbish and recycling bin sizes, and this will be considered by council as part of the roll out.

Bulk collection services will not be affected.

Tenders will now be invited for a suitable contractor to process the City’s food and organic waste.

Mayor Tracey Roberts said the City had carried out extensive research to ensure the best outcome for residents and the environment.

“A three bin system provides an opportunity for residents to actively make a positive difference to our environment,” Mayor Roberts said.

“The introduction of a third bin for the disposal of organic waste will help achieve a greater diversion of waste from landfill, as well as reduce the cost of waste management.

“The City of Wanneroo will also be one of the first local governments to meet the state government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 target of introducing a Three Bin FOGO Kerbside Collection System.”

The introduction of the new three bin kerbside collection system will not result in an increase to the waste charge and is forecasted to save the City more than $21 million over a 10-year period.

In mid-2018 the City conducted a community survey regarding waste management, where 89 per cent of respondents wanted the City to separate garden and food waste, to promote greater recycling.

The City hopes to introduce the new service in the 2020/2021 financial year. For more information, visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/threebinsfaqs.