Deniliquin’s new recycling technique to segregate materials like aluminium and paper

Edward River Council announced that kerbside recycling will be restarted in Deniliquin beginning next year. The waste will be routed via many manual and automated sorting stations, where it will be divided into distinct waste streams such as aluminium, plastic (many kinds), paper, steel, cardboard, and glass. As Edward River Council officially advances towards the state-mandated three-bin trash collection system, it will be implemented with a separate food organics waste collection. The third container is for all-purpose rubbish.

At its meeting on Tuesday, the council approved the system, which would move recycling and organics away from landfill. The new service will cost an extra $150 per home yearly, which will be established in cooperation with the community on next year's budget. Cr Peta Betts, Mayor of the Edward River Council, said that the new system would be critical in driving development in the area.

"This new waste system will be a game changer for our council and we are very excited to be introducing it to Deniliquin residents. We are taking steps to become a progressive region with the adoption of our Growth Strategy, so we need to make sure the way we deal with waste is aligned to that vision and we can sustainably support our future growth," added Cr Peta Betts.

Edward River is one of the few types of council in New South Wales that still needs a recycling pickup service. However, with FOGO (food organics green organics) collection, its implementation means that Edward River will join municipalities leading the state in waste management. Edward River Council carried out a thorough procurement procedure, which was completed via a collaborative bidding process managed by Albury City Council.

Garden waste and food organics will be collected and delivered to Biomix in Stanhope, where they will be converted into soil or fertiliser for use on farms and to keep parklands green. Cr Betts said switching from one to three bins will require adjusting how homeowners handle their garbage, but it was well worth it.

“Deni residents will now have three separate 240 litre bins, with organics collected weekly, and recycling and general waste collected fortnightly. Instead of having to take lawn and garden clippings to the tip, residents will be able to fill up their bin and have it collected for them. Plus households will get a little kitchen tidy and compostable liners to manage kitchen food scraps. The three bin system means our recycling can be handled by a professional material recovery facility where it will be sorted and then recycled. And our new organics collection will handle food waste and garden waste and turned into soil or fertiliser,” added Cr Peta Betts.