Best practice organics collection in Albury Wodonga

The councils of the Albury Wodonga region have set the best practice benchmark for food and garden waste (FOGO) recycling in Australia, following their recent commencement of combined garden and food collection services for households.

The region has been found to have a contamination rate — a rate of non-food and garden waste placed into the organics bin — of just 0.8%, which is better than all other councils who have introduced similar collection services. Average contamination rates across NSW and the rest of Australia range from 1–14%.

Andrea Baldwin, team leader waste management at Albury City Council, noted that the Albury Wodonga councils “have invested heavily in community engagement and education" surrounding the new service. The councils' campaign was fronted by Masterchef winner Julie Goodwin, who made appearances in TV adverts and print media.

“The results are extremely pleasing and show that local residents have readily accepted this new recycling service," said Baldwin.

“Given that our three-bin collection system has only been in operation for a short period of time, we're extremely proud of the local community for playing their part in not only reducing the amount of organic material going to landfill, but ensuring the contamination rate is exceptionally low. This also ensures a high-quality compost is produced."

The three-bin system for residents is part of Albury Wodonga's Halve Waste campaign, which has a target of reducing waste to landfill by 50% by 2020.

“Our local residents have seen the benefit of the Halve Waste program and should be proud they have set the benchmark for using the organics recovery bin system," said Baldwin.

Image credit: ©iStockphoto.com/Jim Jurica