Bin tagging in the Burdekin to enhance recycling practices

As part of the Bin Tagging Program, Council officers will be inspecting approximately 50 household recycling bins placed on the footpath for collection, to assess current recycling practices across Ayr and Home Hill.

When it comes to filling up the recycle bin, it's important to know which items can be recycled; items include glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles and containers, steel cans, aluminium cans, aerosol cans, paper and cardboard.

Ensure you rinse out any food remnants before placing in the recycle and avoid placing non-recyclable items in the recycle bin such as plastic bags, styrofoam, or soiled paper products.

Burdekin Shire Council Mayor Lyn McLaughlin said the program will play a pivotal role in improving recycling habits.

“When a recycling bin is contaminated, all of its contents have to be sent to the landfill instead of being processed at the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) in Townsville, resulting in additional expenses for Council,” Cr McLaughlin said. 

"Through direct feedback and educational bin tags, Council aims to empower households and the community with the knowledge to improve recycling habits."

“During the assessment process, bins will receive one of three color-coded tags based on their contamination level; minimal contamination will be rewarded with a green tag, medium contamination will receive an orange tag and heavy contamination will be provided with a red tag, indicating an opportunity for improvement.”

The Bin Tagging Program commencing on 19 and 20 June, aims to educate residents on household recycling. For the full list of items you can and can’t recycle, visit https://www.burdekin.qld.gov.au/waste-recycling.