New waste management plan adopted by Shire of Denmark

Kerbside organics could be coming to Denmark before the end of next year, after the adoption of a new waste management plan at the June council meeting.

Food Organics and Garden Organics is a way of disposing of food waste, allowing fruits, vegetables, meats and more to be composted.

Half of Denmark’s municipal solid waste is thought to be compostable but is going to landfill, where most greenhouse gas emissions produced come from organic materials.

But the proposal has its challenges — the nearest licensed facility to receive compostable material is about 100km away.

The plan recommends Shire of Denmark consult City of Albany and Shire of Plantagenet to gather more information. This information will be used to understand what rates should be charged for services such as FOGO and how new waste services could be implemented.

Shire of Denmark would then run further modelling to determine the most appropriate service delivery model. Alongside FOGO, the plan includes other initiatives.

Kerbside recycling would be made compulsory to the Peaceful Bay and Nornalup town sites, to improve the percentage of waste recycled and reduce the quantity of waste going to landfill.

Bin lids would be standardised, after it was found that they did not adhere to Australian standards and that this caused confusion and incorrect mixing of waste streams.

While the cost of a change in bin lids colours could be up to $50,000, the benefits are expected to outweigh the costs.

It is proposed that a more detailed consideration of FOGO, kerbside recycling and bin-lid standardisation be tabled before the end of next year.