West Coast Council continues to move towards more efficient and sustainable waste management across the region, with construction of a recycling shed at the Zeehan Landfill now one step closer.
Council at its meeting on 23 June awarded the tender for the construction of a recycling shed to RT & NJ contracting.
This is part of the 2024-25 Annual Plan and will provide a dedicated facility for the receiving, sorting, and temporary storage of recyclable materials.
Currently, recyclable waste is transported fortnightly to Spreyton, which incurs significant operational costs. The new shed will allow for more efficient handling and consolidation of recyclables, reducing the number of trips to two per year, lowering operational costs.
This project is primarily funded by a $635,000 State Government grant, with additional support from the Landfill Levy ($185,000).
As residents are aware, currently if non-recyclables are placed in the yellow-lid recycling wheelie bin, it can compromise the load. In some cases, if contamination is too high, the entire truck load may need to be diverted to landfill, which is both costly and environmentally unsustainable.
Whilst this new shed will help in reducing this, Council recognises that the success of our waste management strategy and this recycling shed is dependent upon a shared commitment between Council and the community.
Council is investing in infrastructure and systems, with residents also playing their part. Ideally, waste should be separated at the source — at the household level. This will help extend the life of the landfill, and reduce carbon emissions
By separating waste correctly between the green wheelie bins and the yellow-lid recycling bins, we can collectively meet environmental compliance obligations, and work toward a more sustainable future for the West Coast.
West Coast Council offers weekly general (landfill) wheelie bin kerbside collection, and monthly recycling wheelie bin collection. For more information visit the Waste & Recycling pages.