Some residents may have noticed that checks are now being made of the yellow top lid recycling bin prior to collection.  These residents may be wondering why this is needed.

Each year across Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Singleton over 700 tonnes of general waste is incorrectly placed in the recycling bin. This is around 2500 box trailers full. 

Items such as gas cylinders, plate glass, scrap metal and disposable nappies are often found. 

Each day hundreds of bins are checked prior to collection, with non-conforming bins identified, tagged and not collected. 

The bins are only serviced once the offending product has been removed and only on the following service. 

“It does not take much effort to recycle right and it is important that residents do follow the A to Z guide to ensure that their bin is always collected,” Garry Blair Recycling Education Representative for the service said.

“There remains a small percentage of the community who still fail to use the service correctly and place non-accepted items in the bin. 

“Some of these items can be hazardous and risk to the staff who hand sort the recycling, We have to ensure their safety through bin inspections and not collecting bins that pose a risk.  

“Only 2% of all bins checked contain non-accepted items, but they all add up to one big problem.” 

To coincide with Planet Ark’s National Recycling Week the company providing Council’s recycling service, Hunter Resource Recovery, has released data highlighting the great work of  residents who recycle right.

Cessnock City Council Statistics:

The member councils of Hunter Resource Recovery wish to thank residents for the continued support. Together you have helped to recycle over 500,000 tonnes of product since the service commenced in 1997,  

For more information visit www.hrr.com.au or call  1800 83 8884.