The City of Busselton currently have no plans to introduce a three bin system for organic household waste, despite more local governments in the South West taking up the initiative.
Last week, the Shire of Harvey agreed to introduce a three bin system for its residents which has already been implemented in other local government areas such as Bunbury, Capel and Collie.
The city’s director of engineering and works Oliver Darby said it would instead undertake a funded study to investigate the viability of adopting an anaerobic digestion waste recycling system.
Anaerobic digestion is a process used to manage waste or produce fuels when microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen.
Mr Darby said analysis to date on the three bin system indicated that there was no discernible cost benefit at this point in time.
He said anaerobic digestion could potentially divert up to 60 per cent of recycling waste from landfill from 25 per cent and generate energy at the same time.
“The study looked at the availability of potential organic feedstocks across the region as well as a conceptual designs associated with the development of such a recycling plant,” he said.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson said moving to a three bin collection system did improve the quality and quantities of waste diverted from landfill.
“Moving to three bins with food organics will significantly improve our diversion. This is a small change that can make a big difference and I will be inviting all councils to closely consider this initiative,” he said.
“Organic materials, including garden and food wastes, and paper and cardboard, make up around two thirds of the municipal waste stream.
“I have also had advice that the inclusion of food and garden organics (FOGO) may in fact reduce the cost to councils of providing kerbside recycling collections.
"So far, local governments have been awarded $9.3 million to provide Better Bins kerbside collection services.”
