The Mornington Peninsula Shire is spending an additional $1 million to process household recycling after a rise in contamination across the municipality.
The Shire blames the increase on residents putting the wrong items in yellow-lid bins — including food scraps, liquids, textiles and batteries — which prevents recyclables from being properly processed.
Contamination Up to 17.8 Per Cent
Mayor Anthony Marsh said the Peninsula’s contamination rate has jumped from under 15 per cent to 17.8 per cent, describing the result as a “small increase with a big cost”.
“I’ve no doubt our residents would like to see that $1 million spent on other things such as improving our roads,” Cr Marsh said.
“We know the majority of households want to do the right thing when it comes to recycling, and this campaign is about making it even easier for them.”
Community Campaign to ‘Bin It Right’
To address the problem, the Shire has launched a new community education program — ‘Bin it Right, Future’s Bright!’ — which offers practical tips to help households reduce contamination.
Residents are being reminded that contamination is measured by weight, meaning even small mistakes can quickly add up. The most effective way to make a difference is to empty and rinse containers before placing them in the bin.
The Shire says the recycling bin should contain:
- Empty, clean containers from the kitchen and laundry
- Paper and cardboard
- Loose items only — not bagged
Bin Inspections and Safety Concerns
The Shire’s waste contractor conducts regular bin inspections throughout the year to identify common recycling mistakes. Inspectors lift bin lids, check contents using a torch, and leave feedback stickers to help households improve.
Contamination doesn’t just increase costs — it also creates serious safety risks. Two truck fires on the Peninsula this year were caused by batteries placed in kerbside bins, endangering waste drivers and nearby properties.
Free Disposal Options
Residents are encouraged to dispose of problem items — including batteries, gas bottles, electrical appliances and textiles — for free at the Shire’s resource recovery centres. Larger items such as tyres, mattresses and whitegoods can also be dropped off at no cost.
A full A–Z recycling guide is available at mornpen.vic.gov.au/recyclingguide.
Cr Marsh said the Shire’s goal is simple: to cut unnecessary waste costs and divert ratepayer funds back into projects that benefit the community.
The article cites ‘yellow’ lid bins’ as the problem. The Shire handles ‘green’ lid bins not yellow!
This makes me question the validity of the statistics quoted
If The Shire is interested in cutting down on contamination could it explain the 12 month delay in replying to a question on it polluting the bay by failing to maintain waste interceptors on the Rye foreshore ?