The Shire May Be Going Through Your Bin As Audits Get Underway

Mornington Peninsula Shire says random kerbside bin audits will help measure recycling contamination and waste costs.

Mornington Peninsula Shire may soon go through your bin.

The Shire says its waste contractor, EC Sustainable, has started random kerbside bin audits across the municipality to check what residents put in their kerbside bins.

The checks only apply to bins left out for collection. The Shire says the audit will help calculate how much it pays to deal with contaminated recycling.

Why The Shire Is Checking Bins

The audit will measure how much wrong material ends up in recycling, food and green waste bins.

When residents put the wrong items in recycling bins, contractors need to sort them out and send them to landfill. Higher contamination rates can increase waste costs.

Audit teams will choose household bins at random, weigh the contents, separate contaminated items and compare the results. The Shire will then calculate an average contamination rate.

Contamination Added $1 Million To Waste Fees

Acting Mayor Paul Pingiaro said last year’s inspections found contamination had increased.

Last year’s bin inspections revealed that our contamination rate had increased, which added $1 million to our waste fees. Instead of paying the additional cost for our contractors to dispose of contaminated material, we would prefer to see that money go towards upgrades to infrastructure that benefit our community.

Cr Pingiaro said the issue also creates safety risks. He said batteries in kerbside bins had started at least two rubbish truck fires on the Peninsula this year.

Contamination in recycling bins doesn’t just add cost, it can also lead to dangerous situations. This year, batteries placed in kerbside bins have started at least two rubbish truck fires on the Peninsula, putting neighbourhoods and our drivers at great risk.

Random Streets, No Warning

The Shire says audit teams will choose streets at random.

Residents will not receive advance notice. Council says this gives a more accurate picture of normal household habits.

Audit teams will record how full each selected bin is and check for contamination.

Homes Will Not Be Identified

Council says privacy rules apply.

The Shire says audit teams will not record data against individual addresses. Teams will dispose of bin contents after sorting and weighing.

The audit follows the Shire’s “Bin it right: Future’s bright” education campaign, which aimed to help residents better understand what belongs in kerbside recycling.

Residents can find recycling information on Mornington Peninsula Shire’s website.