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Collie wins recycle war

South Western Times
The audit process involves Shire staff and recycling processor sorting materials to separate recyclables from contaminants.
Camera IconThe audit process involves Shire staff and recycling processor sorting materials to separate recyclables from contaminants.

The Shire of Collie’s contamination levels are among the best in the South West after a recent kerbside recycling audit in the shire found a dramatic reduction in contamination levels.

Shire staff together with recycling processors SUEZ completed a full audit of the shire’s recycling contamination by capturing a sample of each day’s load.

Loads were sorted into recyclable materials and non-recyclable materials, pictured, to get a daily percentage of contamination.

The latest figures revealed that in December 2020 the Shire of Collie achieved a contamination level of 24 per cent compared to the previous year where levels sat at 43 per cent.

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The fall in contamination levels equated to a saving of just over $20,000 for the year.

Collie shire director of technical services Brett Lowcock said regular bin checks conducted by staff contributed to the results by providing instant and regular feedback to home occupants.

“Residents have really engaged with the recycling program by asking questions and seeking advice when they are unsure of how to correctly dispose of their waste,” Mr Lowcock said.

With the purpose-built re-use shop at the Collie Transfer Station, residents were encouraged to drop off unwanted furniture, bikes and bric-a-brac instead of disposing as general waste.

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