The City of Greater Bendigo is considering adding businesses to the list of premises using the new organic waste bins after the first full collection was completed.
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The first full collection of the green-lidded wheelie bins was completed last week.
Over a fortnight more than 40,000 households put over 650 tonnes of organic food and garden waste out for collection.
The council’s interim director of presentation and assets Ian Couper said a ‘high percentage’ of people had put bins out on kerb-sides accross Bendigo and Marong.
“This is a fantastic result and it’s great to see residents embracing the new service,” he said.
“We are off to a great start and the city is looking forward to the environmental benefits that the new service will provide in the future.
“Contamination levels have also been exceptionally low which means residents are sorting their waste correctly in the new three bin system.”
Meanwhile about 3,500 households had applied for an exemption from the service.
Mr Couper asked people to be patient as the council worked through the outstanding exemption applications.
“All residents granted an exemption from the new service will receive a refund on their rates bill,” he said.
“And the city will come and collect the organics bin that was delivered to their property in due course.”
Mr Couper said the council was now considering the feasibility of an organic service for cafés, restaurants and retailers who produce food waste.
But that was still some way from being finalised and for now Mr Couper was content to see people embracing the new service.
“Well done Bendigo and Marong for saving such a large amount of organic waste from going to landfill,” he said.
“We can now turn this into high quality compost which is a really great outcome for our landfill and the environment.”
Sustainability Victoria provided $500,000 in funding to help the council deliver the new service to residents.