MORE THAN A QUARTER OF BURDEKIN RECYCLING IS CONTAMINATION

More than a quarter of the material being put into Burdekin recycling bins cannot be recycled through the kerbside service, according to a recent audit. Photo: Burdekin Shire Council

‍

More than a quarter of the material being put into Burdekin recycling bins cannot be recycled through the kerbside service, according to a recent audit.

The audit found 28 per cent contamination across the region’s yellow-lid bins, with bagged recyclables, soft plastics and non-recyclable plastic items among the most common contaminants.

‍

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the result showed residents needed to take more care when sorting their household waste.

‍

“The Burdekin is fortunate to have a three-bin waste collection system, with separate services for general waste, recycling and green waste. This provides households with more opportunities to divert material away from landfill and recover valuable resources,” she said.

‍

“By placing recyclable items loose in the yellow-lid bin, keeping plastic bags and soft plastics out of the recycling stream, and taking a moment to check which bin an item belongs in, residents can make a significant difference to the quality of recycling collected across our community.”

‍

Council said incorrect items can contaminate recyclable material, increasing processing costs and reducing the amount of material that can be recovered and reused.

‍

Residents are reminded to place recyclable household packaging and containers loose in yellow-lid bins, including paper and cardboard, glass bottles and jars, aluminium and steel cans, and plastic bottles and containers.

‍

Plastic bags and soft plastics should not be placed in recycling bins.

Households that regularly fill their recycling bin can also apply to upgrade to a larger 360-litre recycling bin.

‍

Residents unsure where an item belongs can use the Recycle Mate app for recycling advice.