AS part of a statewide push to improve recycling and sustainability practices, Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) will be partnering with Sustainability Victoria to launch a new campaign aimed at educating residents about enhanced recycling methods and services.

This initiative is a continuation of the successful Small Acts, Big Impact campaign, encouraging households to take small, meaningful actions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

As part of the campaign, bin audits will be run at random throughout the Shire during November.

“This audit will allow us to see where we’re doing well and where we can improve,” SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle said.

“By identifying and reducing contamination in recycling and FOGO bins, we can divert more waste from landfill, conserve resources, and cut down on the environmental impacts of manufacturing with raw materials.

“All audits will be performed anonymously at random with no penalties or individual assessments to be issued, as the primary goal is to collect data that will shape future educational materials and programs.

“No data regarding the source of the waste material, or any identifiers in the waste will be recorded, only the volumetric and weight-based data by category will be documented.”

Managed in partnership with Waste Services, these audits will help Council assess the types and levels of contamination in household waste, recycling, and FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bins.

By gaining a clearer understanding of current recycling practices, Council hope to gain an ongoing understanding of the volume of waste being managed, as well as bin content to assist with planning and budgeting for waste services management.

“This forms part of our commitment as a Council to deliver sustainable outcomes within the Southern Grampians and to take a lead in shaping the future of circular economy in our region,” Mr Doyle said.

“We know we have a significant role to play in delivering sustainable projects and improving the impact our current practises have.

“We have done a lot of work in this space over recent years and will continue to improve practises wherever possible.”

With new recycling services and facilities set to launch across Victoria in the coming years, including statewide glass recycling, Council is committed to supporting residents as they adapt to these changes.

By working together, Victorians will aim to divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030.

For more information on this initiative, as well as practical tips on recycling and how small actions contribute to big changes, residents are encouraged to visit Sustainability Victoria’s website at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au