Contamination in kerbside bins is removed at the waste sorting facilities and increases the amount of material sent to landfill.
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
Contamination in the recycling stream 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 incorrect items (e.g. packaging, not accepted plastic, metal) 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.
If there are significant amounts of contamination or material such as general waste/food scraps, then your bin will not be emptied until the contamination is removed.
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 and may be taped shut to alert drivers not to empty.
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.
Will I receive a contamination fine?
Council officers will work with households to identify and correct the contamination.
- Step 1: A bin tag 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, a letter is sent to residents, together with educational material on how contaminating items can be properly disposed or recycled.
- Step 3: After the third significant contamination event within a six-month period, the household will be contacted directly to discuss how the Shire can assist with using the recycling or green waste bins correctly. If this is unsuccessful, then a fine may 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.