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Did you know that Australian’s are among the highest producers of waste, per person, in the world? It is estimated that each individual in New South Wales manufactures 550 KG of general waste every year, the majority of which is taken to landfill sites where, slowly, it breaks down into soil. We can all do our bit to minimise the growing mounds of rubbish that release toxic chemicals into our waterways.
Recyclable material makes up almost 80% of total household waste in Australia. By implementing initiatives such as ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’ you can ensure that your family is helping to create a greener future.
Construction Waste
Dumping of construction waste, including clean earth fill, is an offence and any instances of builders or residents dumping waste on adjoin or other lots will be reported to Wollondilly Shire Council. Fines apply. If you see anyone dumping rubbish illegally in Bingara Gorge, or if you have had fill dumped on your lot, then contact Council’s Compliance Services Section on (02) 4677 1100 to report the incident.
Junkmail
Place a ‘No Junkmail’ sticker on your letterbox to reduce the amount of paper coming into your home. If you still receive junk mail, you can contact the Distribution Standards Board on 1800 676 136.
Charity
Much of what we throw away is useful to other people. Holding an annual garage sale or donating old clothes and household items to charity can reduce the amount that goes to waste. St-Vincent-De-Paul in Picton is the perfect place to donate your used clothes, furniture, books, appliances and other household goods. For more information call 4677 1705.
Batteries
Many batteries contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals that can contaminate soil. Try to use rechargeable batteries where possible – they will also save you money in the long run.
Recycle
The Wollondilly Shire Council will provide you with recycling, green waste and general wastes garbage bins. Having three separate bins should make recycling at home easy.
Unwanted Medicines
Old medicines should be taken to your local pharmacy, where they will be destroyed free of charge. Please do not put them in the garbage, where they can cause contamination, or down the toilet where they could eventually pollute our waterways and water recycling system.
Compost
38% of household waste is food. All of this can be placed in a compost heap or bin and reused in the garden. By combining food scraps with your garden waste, you can soon create an ongoing source of nutritious compost for the garden, reducing waste and saving money. Liquid waste such as leftover drinks and cooking fats will help the composting process. Compost bins can be purchased at many nurseries or hardware stores.
Worm farms
Compost can be produced faster and will be more nutritious for the soil if waste is placed in a worm farm. Both Red Worms and Tiger Worms will eat most food scraps apart from onions and citrus fruit. Worm farm kits can be purchased at most nurseries.
Reuse
Try to reuse as much as possible. For example, use jars and tins for storing leftovers, use plastic shopping bags to line your bin, reuse aluminium pie plates for baking, give old tennis balls and stuffed toys to dogs, line kennels and pet beds with old clothes and carpet, and reuse old envelopes and paper as shopping lists or note paper.
Mobile Phones
Mobile phone batteries contain the same toxic chemicals and metals as other batteries, but the phones themselves also contain various compounds that can contaminate landfill. There are over 1,600 mobile phone recycling points in Australia including Dick Smith, Optus
and Telstra shops.
Paper and Printing
Reduce your paper use at home and in the office by printing on both sides of the paper and re-using the blank side of single-sided printing for rough drafts. Before printing, think whether you need to do so and try sending emails rather than letters. When your printer runs out of ink or toner, the cartridge can be recycled at any Australia Post or Harvey Norman store as well as Arrow Office Supplies in Picton.
For further information visit: www.environment.nsw.gov.au or www.wasteservice.nsw.gov.au
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