A green bin service is planned to be introduced to residents in the Cessnock local government area by July 2016.

The service will initially provide for the diversion of garden waste via a fortnightly collection, with a plan to include food waste collection within four years.

“Under the proposal every resident that currently receive domestic waste service will be provided with a green bin,” council’s environment and waste manager Michael Alexander said.

Although for some rural residents having a green bin may seem redundant, it provides residents across all property types with an equal opportunity to dispose of their garden waste and reduce landfill.

“Recent audits consistently reveal the domestic waste stream contains over 23 per cent of garden organics and around 30 per cent of food waste,” Mr. Alexander said.

“By diverting the organic material the potential life of our landfill is extended, reducing capital cost to both council and the community.”

Council is also currently exploring the feasibility of the kerbside collection service in a joint tender with Maitland and Singleton councils.

Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent said the diversion of organics from the waste stream was identified as a key priority of the city’s residents in the waste management strategy that was adopted in 2014.

Cr. Pynsent welcomed the grant and the opportunity it presents to increase service levels with reduced cost to residents.

This project was supported by the Environmental Trust as part of the NSW EPA’s Waste Less Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.