Just one misused recycling bin can contaminate the whole recycling truck, resulting in the entire truck contents being sent to landfill rather than recycled.
If the Peninsula’s waste contamination continues, the Shire and community face the possibility of increasing cost to process our waste.
Bin Inspections
Bin inspections are part of the Shire’s waste education program to reduce contamination and increase rates of recycling.
Find out more by visiting our Bin Inspection Program page.
Waste Contamination
A contaminated truck load comes at a huge cost to the environment. It adds to landfill and loses resources that could have been remade into new products. It also comes at a significant financial cost. Contaminated bins cost the Shire and ratepayers over $600,000 per year. The Shire's Waste Contamination policy helps educate residents so that we bring contamination rates down.
What if I mistakenly put the wrong thing into my recycling bin?
If you have placed a few small items (e.g. packaging) into your recycling bin, it will still be collected. However, it is best to avoid this as it will add to contamination, lower the value of recycling and increase our processing costs.
Find what can put into your recycling bin on our recycling page.
How will you know if there is contamination?
Shire officers, contractors or drivers may check your bins before they are emptied. Bins with no contamination will receive a smiley bin tag and go into a draw to win a monthly prize.
Bins with contamination will receive a sad bin tag to let householders know which item/s do not belong in the bin.
Learn more about the bin inspection program.
When will a bin NOT be emptied?
If a bin has large amounts of contamination or hazardous materials, it won’t be emptied. If the trucks have already passed through the area, it won’t return until the next collection schedule.
Will I receive a contamination fine?
Council officers will work with households to identify and correct the contamination.
- Step 1: A sticker will be placed on the bin to inform households of which items can’t go into the bin.
- Step 2: On the second contamination event, Shire officers will call or visit the household to speak with residents. Educational materials such as stickers, posters and information on how contaminating items can be properly disposed or recycled will be provided to the household when the bin has been identified as contaminated.
- Step 3: After the third significant contamination event within a six-month period, a fine will be issued.
- Step 4: If significant contamination occurs after a fine has been issued, the Shire may suspend the recycling or green waste service.
What if someone else was responsible for the contamination?
Council officers will investigate if someone else has placed contamination in your bin. These cases are usually not isolated to one household and are repeat behaviours.