New Organics Bins For Harvey Shire

The Shire of Harvey is the next local government in WA to introduce a third kerbside collection bin for organics waste. Proposing to commence mid next year, the new service will be delivered to all households with existing rubbish and recycling bins.

Comprising of food waste and garden vegetation, the organics waste collected will be diverted from the general rubbish stream and instead recycled into compost.

Shire Chief Executive Officer, Annie Riordan, said “The organics bin service will prevent a significant amount of waste going to landfill and improve the sustainability of waste management operations in the Shire.”

The waste will be sent to an organics processing facility where it will be pasteurised using a combination of methods and turned into compost for reuse. Over ten thousand residential properties will receive organics bins. Letters and a Frequently Asked Question’s information sheet are currently being sent out to households. Prior to the service commencement, a 240 Litre organics bin, calendar, information booklet, small kitchen caddy and several rolls of compostable bags will be delivered to assist residents in using their new 3-Bin system.

“In considering introducing the organics bins, Council gave regard to the current and future waste management needs of our growing community” Ms Riordan said. “The Shire has applied for funding from the State Waste Authority through its Better Bins program to reduce the cost of introducing the service” she said.

The main change to kerbside bin collection services will be that rubbish bins will change to a fortnightly collection. Organics bins will be collected weekly, and recycling bins will remain fortnightly, on an alternate basis to rubbish bins. The 3-Bin system has already been introduced into nearby local government areas of Bunbury, Capel, Donnybrook-Balingup and Collie and has shown to be highly successful.

Further information on the new organics bin service can be found on the Shire’s website HERE or by contacting the Shire on Ph: (08) 9729 0300. Regional Waste Education Officers are also available to assist with enquiries on the types of waste accepted in kerbside bins and the organics processing facility Ph: (08) 9711 1053.