The four-bin system will see waste separated into mixed recycling, food and garden organics, glass recycling and general rubbish.
The two new services of glass recycling and food and garden organics will allow the general rubbish collection to be reduced.
A recent audit found more than 65 per cent of kerbside waste going to landfill in Mitchell could be recycled or composted, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
When food breaks down in landfill it creates methane, a greenhouse gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide.
Currently, waste to landfill accounts for 75 per cent of Mitchell Council’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Broken glass in the recycling bin makes other items like cardboard, paper and plastic hard to recycle. By putting your glass bottles and jars in a separate bin, more of these materials can be recycled.
State government legislation requires Victorian councils to provide a four-bin system to all households by 2030.
Strathbogie Shire, City of Greater Shepparton, Macedon Ranges Shire, Nillumbik Shire, Monash City Council, Knox City Council, Bass Coast Shire Council and the City of Banyule have already adopted the model.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Bill Chisholm said the change was a key part of council’s efforts to address the broader issue of climate change.
“We’re fortunate to be able to learn from other councils to provide the system that is likely to have the best outcomes for our environment and the best financial benefit for our community,” Cr Chisholm said.
“Based on other councils’ experiences, a weekly food and garden organics and a fortnightly household rubbish kerbside service has the best environmental outcomes as it diverts more waste from landfill.”
For more information, visit www.engagingmitchellshire.com
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