Called ‘Think Blue’, Knox City Council launched its new public place recycling program in October to representatives of community groups, local schools and regional waste management organisations. Over 70 blue bins have begun appearing around Knox – in local parks, reserves and shopping centres – making it easy for people to recycle drink cans and plastic drink bottles.
Sponsored by Ecorecycle Victoria, the Public Place recycling program further extends Knox’s reputation as a recycling community. In 1988, Knox was the first Australian Municipality to implement a comprehensive recycling service at the kerbside for residents.
To commemorate the start of the blue bin program, a video for school students has been created along with a recycling game sheet and project material. The video features Dylan Lewis from ABC TV music show ‘Recovery’ and Knox’s own mascot, Fred Falcon.
“This is the next step forward in waste management,” said Mayor Richard Dare. “Knox has been leading the way in domestic recycling for many years, now we are able to encourage recycling at events and in public places. We are reducing the number of places in the community where people can’t recycle, and that means people can be more consistent in their recycling habits.”
The information campaign is aimed at school students as they are the future users and beneficiaries of recycling.
“Hopefully, they will pick up the messages from the literature and video and educate their parents,” said Councillor Dare.
