Recycling audit shows contamination rate increase

Published on 13 February 2025

A recent audit of West Wimmera Shire’s recycling bins has revealed a significant increase in contamination rates, highlighting the need for greater awareness about correct recycling practices.

Wimmera Mallee Waste Management carried out the audit in November on behalf of West Wimmera Shire Council.

The audit analysed the contents of glass recycling and general recycling bins collected from Apsley, Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow and Kaniva.

This audit compared results with an audit conducted in September 2023.

The results showed a significant increase of non-recyclable materials in general recycling bins in the past year, from 15.1% in September 2023 to 26.2% in November 2024.

Contaminants in glass recycling bins increased from 1.3% to 1.7%.

However, it was also clear that residents are putting less glass in general recycling bins, with the percentage of glass found in the wrong bin decreasing from 3% to 2.4%.

West Wimmera Shire Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said the results demonstrated both progress and challenges in the community’s recycling habits.

"It is encouraging to see a reduction in glass contamination in general recycling bins, but the overall increase in contamination across general recycling is concerning,” he said.

The main contaminants of the glass bins were wine collars and loose lids off jars and bottles.

There was also a significant amount of animal waste, which was believed to have come from a single source, rather than multiple residents.

Although there was an increase in contaminates in the general recycling from the previous year it should be noted a significant portion of these contaminates are recyclable, just not by Wimmera Mallee Waste service.

For a full list of what residents can and can’t recycling in West Wimmera Shire, go to https://www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Residents/Rubbish-and-recycling/Landfill-and-transfer-stations.

Council is committed to providing clear information and resources to help residents understand best recycling practices.

Council will roll out a series of social media adverts to help address common recycling mistakes and improve the quality of recycling in the region.

Recycling bin audit findings