A mobile recycling trailer has been welcomed by communities throughout the MidCoast Council area.
Since it was introduced in March, the trailer has collected more than five tonnes of hazardous waste from local households.
Throughout 2018 the trailer will visit 15 locations across the region, including Nabiac, Wingham, Old Bar and Tea Gardens.
The service provides local residents with the opportunity to dispose of problem waste items like old batteries and gas bottles without having to make the trip to their nearest waste management facility.
“These are items which can be dangerous when left around the home,” waste health and regulatory services manager, John Cavanagh said.
“And while they’re recyclable, they can’t go in the normal yellow-lidded bin as they pose a hazard for our waste service operators.”
Items that can be dropped off at the mobile recycling trailer include gas bottles, paint, motor oils, car batteries, household batteries, fluoro globes and tubes, old smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Outside of the mobile trailer visits, they can be dropped off for free at any time of the year, at one of MidCoast Council’s community recycling centres.
“We’re half way through our schedule, and have collected 5540kg of problem waste so far,” Mr Cavanagh said.
“Response from local communities has been overwhelming, with our most recent visit to Harrington cut short by 45 minutes due to the trailer reaching full capacity.”
Residents dropping problem waste at the mobile trailer are asked to observe the 20 litre/20kg per household limit, to ensure everyone has a fair chance to take advantage of the service.
Attended by MidCoast Council waste team, the trailer also offers a drop-in service for locals to find out more about what can and can’t be recycled, and ways the community can help minimise the amount of waste going to landfill.
The mobile trailer will make a second appearance at Black Head on Thursday, August 23.
Visit www.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/mobilecrc for further details and a full schedule of upcoming locations.
Please note the trailer may leave a location earlier than the advertised finished time in the event that it reaches capacity, or at the discretion of council operators.
“We’ve been exceptionally pleased with the positive community response to this initiative, and thank those who have participated for their contribution in helping us protect the local environment.”
This project is a NSW EPA Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
Re-imagine Waste is part of MidCoast Council’s commitment to reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.
