Collection more than green waste
I am writing in response to some recent criticism about the new organics waste service to be operated by the City of Greater Bendigo, and its impact on local business Greenaway.
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The first point I would make is that Greenaway has been providing a valuable service for around 3,000 households in Greater Bendigo and Mt Alexander Shire and I thank them for that.
However, their service is different to the one the City will provide.
Greenaway removes green waste only.
The organics service to be operated by the City will include green waste, but also all other organic material such as vegetable peels, fruit scraps, fish, bones, meat, teabags, coffee grounds and cooked foods.
The other difference is the number of people to receive the service. After a trial of 2800 households over six months, the City will cover all households in urban Bendigo, Heathcote,
Elmore and Marong. Greenaway’s service is voluntary and they have indicated they would not have the capacity to supply the same service the City is proposing.
Another point being made by some is that residents should already be composting their own organic waste and therefore an organics service is not required.
While Council applauds residents who do their own composting, the reality is that most people do not and many do not want to.
Our data shows that 50 per cent of waste placed in resident’s rubbish bins is organic waste and it is currently going straight to landfill.
This is unfortunate as rotting organic waste is the biggest cause of methane gas in our landfill.
The trial of the organics service is being held to get feedback from the community: Should all households receive the service? Does there need to be an option not to have the service? How could that work?
By separating out organic waste through a new organic waste service the City will not only extend the life of local landfills but will also reduce the City’s current and future financial and environmental liabilities that must be paid to the State Government in the form of a levy on every tonne of waste that we put into our landfills.
The Council must consider the bigger picture and do what is right for the majority of its residents.
To find out more about the service please visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/organics
Cr Peter Cox, Mayor
Call for fairness
In regard to the proposed kerbside organic waste trial Greenaway Bins have been providing a successful, affordable, kerbside, green waste disposal service for several years.
Why hasn’t the City of Greater Bendigo auspiced this local initiative to bring its service to every urban household?
Greenaway Bins have all the infrastructure in place and yet it is being forced out of business.
The owners, their families, and all associated with Greenaway Bins, must be devastated and the stress overwhelming.
Greenaway Bins should be applauded for its work in keeping green waste out of landfill.
The company has the potential to be a success story for Bendigo akin to the Eaglehawk Recovery Yard.
The City of Greater Bendigo could have also created the blueprint for the business to expand to other municipalities.
A “Future Employment Opportunity” that would have been embraced in times past.
I hope there is still time for integrity and fairness to prevail.
Elly Jukes, Huntly
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