City clear up organic bin confusion

Bunbury's new greenwaste bins to be rolled out in November and December will not cost ratepayers extra but will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

The introduction of greenwaste bins has caused some confusion for the public and the Bunbury City Council want to assure ratepayers the bins will not come at an additional cost.

The bins will be for all compostable rubbish including food waste, lawn clippings, flowers, meat, fish and bones.

People can even throw away animal droppings as long as they are in a biodegradable bag.

The council said people who already had compost and worm farms can continue to use them but organic bins would be compulsory — just like recycling bins.

Waste manager Tony Battersby said the introduction of the new bins put Bunbury at the forefront of waste management.

‘‘The Bunbury City Council has adopted best practices in waste management,’’ he said.

‘‘Once the organic bins are in place residents will see the benefits and how far they span.’’

The greenwaste bins have been introduced to meet obligations from the State Waste Authority and the Federal Government to reduce the city’s carbon emissions.

If those targets are not met, taxes on landfill will increase and those taxes will be passed on.

The only waste removal rate rise this financial year has been the yearly CPI increase of about $15.

A frequently asked questions fact sheet on the organic bins is available on the council’s website www.bunbury.wa.gov.au or from the council administration building on Stephen Street.