.jpg?v=637376544751677102)
The Barossa Council is committed to reducing the area's contribution of to waste to landfill through a variety of measures including community education and provision of waste services. In line with this commitment Council has obtained a grant under the Green Industries SA Kerbside Performance Plus Food Waste Incentive program to assist in implementing a more sustainable and efficient food organics recycling system for the Barossa.
Last year Council engaged KESAB Environmental Solutions to conduct an independent audit of kerbside bins in the area which revealed that 47% of waste found in general (red lid) bins was actually organic material which could be more effectively disposed of through a green organics (green lid) bin.
"If we are able to change resident behaviour to divert just 20% of this organic material from landfill we could make significant savings, which in the long term could be passed on to rate payers, but also contribute to improving wider environmental issues associated with waste management," said Mayor Bim Lange.
Currently 45.9% of all eligible properties subscribe to the optional green organic waste service which operates across the townships of Angaston, Lyndoch, Mount Pleasant, Nuriootpa, Penrice, Springton, Stockwell, Tanunda and Williamstown.
If mandated the service charge will be applied to rates notices, and become the responsibility of the rate payer rather than the resident. The current annual fee is $53 which is reviewed annually as part of the budget process.
"We are keen to hear from residents on whether they support the mandatory introduction of this service in those townships where it is currently fully operational on an optional basis," said Mayor Lange.
