Early results are in, showing Council’s recently introduced food and green waste service is being embraced across Bayside.
Collecting household food waste and putting it into the green waste bin was rolled-out across the municipality in July. Nearly 80% of households using Council waste services are now on board with food and green waste recycling.
Since that time, waste volumes from the food and green waste bin have increased by 25 per cent (305 tonnes) from the same time last year, and landfill volumes have decreased by 7.9 per cent (272 tonnes). That’s the equivalent of nearly 2,000 household rubbish bins of waste transformed into compost rather than rotting in landfill.
Common questions
Early results and feedback from the community on the new food and green waste recycling service is overwhelming positive with some common concerns:
Requests for weekly collections rather than fortnightly
Changes to the frequency of the food and green waste service will not be considered until 2021 when current collection contracts expire. The community would be consulted on any proposed change to collections.
More compostable bags
Only compostable bags made of corn starch and featuring the AS4736 logo can be used. These are available from local supermarkets, hardware stores, online or from the Council Corporate Centre.
Smelly bins
To avoid a smelly food and green waste bin
- Put food waste in a compostable bag or wrapped in newspaper. Try alternating layers of food waste and garden waste like lawn clippings or dry leaves.
- Wrap up food waste like prawn shells, seafood and uncooked meat scraps and store them in the freezer until closer to collection day.
- Store your bins in a shady, flat and well-ventilated area
- Rinse your bins from time-to-time, and always keep the lid closed.
- Sprinkle some bicarb soda in the bin to neutralize smells
Reduce food waste at Christmas
Christmas largely focuses on three things – family, friends and food.
This year, be conscious of the amount of food you are buying and preparing and try not to over-cater – even though Bayside has a fabulous new food recycling service. The key to minimising all waste is to start by only purchasing what you really need and then when you do have waste, recycle.
Tips
- Ask guests to bring a specific plate to share and avoid double-ups so less goes to waste.
- Store leftovers as soon as the meal is over so they can be consumed later.
- Checking use-by dates – a lot of food is thrown out prematurely.
- Before you go shopping, check what is already in the fridge and pantry.
