Bushfires impact household recycling services

Published on 21 January 2020

Gannawarra Shire Council residents are encouraged to continue using their yellow household recycling bins for the disposal of recyclable items during the coming weeks following the announcement of interim changes to the disposal of recyclable materials.

Veolia, which manages the collection of household waste throughout the Gannawarra, announced this week that the Echuca Materials Recovery Facility – which is where all household recyclable items are taken for sorting and processing – will be temporarily closed.

“Veolia has advised Council that it has received correspondence from Visy that due to the recent bushfires that have impacted the east of the State, the Tumut Paper Mill is unable to receive mixed paper supply from Veolia,” Mayor Lorraine Learmonth said.

“As a result, Veolia has made the decision to temporarily suspend the process of household recyclable materials from Monday, 20 January 2020 until further notice.

“Kerbside collections will continue as normal throughout the Gannawarra, however unfortunately materials collected from all yellow household recycling bins will be directed to landfill for the time being.”

Council will continue to work with Veolia, other impacted Councils – which include Campaspe Shire Council, Loddon Shire Council, Mount Alexander Shire Council and Swan Hill Rural City Council - and the Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery Group to develop alternative options until the Tumut Paper Mill is able to receive mixed paper supply or when the Echuca Materials Recovery Facility reopens.

In the meantime, residents may drop off sorted recycling in skip bins located at the Cohuna and Kerang transfer stations, where these items will be taken to Melbourne for repurposing.

“Although all materials collected will head to landfill at this time, Council encourages all residents to continue undertaking positive recycling practices,” Mayor Learmonth said.

“Council also thanks residents for their patience and understanding at this time.”