In just six months the Western Australian Town of Cottesloe has cut waste going to landfill by 34%, earning the Town the 1999 Waste Reduction Award presented by the Department of Environmental Protection.
In that time also the amount of recyclable material collected has doubled and the tonnage of green waste being recycled from verge collections has increased substantially. Household waste is now collected weekly in a 120 litre green wheeled bin while a 240 litre bin for recyclables is collected fortnightly. All bins are now collected from the kerbside.
Commercial properties use the 240 litre bins for general refuse and can recycle using wool bales or 240 litre yellow lidded bins, collected on request. Verge collections conducted four times annually pick up bulk and green waste which is chipped on site. As much material as possible is recycled from these collections.
Environmental Health Officer Ruth Levett said community education was identified as a high priority when introducing the new strategy and was responsible for the success of the new system. An education package consisting of a video, a four page colour brochure, fridge calendar and Earth Carer letter was delivered to every household with their new bins.
Ruth said the Strategy was also assisted by the work of Cottesloe’s dedicated team of Volunteer Earth Carers who offered their services to assist the community to minimise their waste and protect the environment. This group is currently focussing on strategies to minimise packaging.
In addition, composting and worm farming are being practised by Council staff and promoted in the community. “The Town of Cottesloe’s commitment to its Waste Minimisation Strategy is reflected in its ongoing support for this programme,” Ruth Levett said. “This is evident in the high levels of community participation in projects to protect the environment,” she said. People recognise the long term benefits to the community and all Western Australians.”
For further information contact Ruth Levett, telephone (08) 9285 5045
