We’ve all seen them in parks and reserves everywhere: those metal garbage bins full to overflowing.
Garbage is strewn around the bin site and it’s not all caused by humans getting rid of their excess rubbish.
Because the bins are obviously open at the top, hungry birds can scavenge scraps in the bin, with the result that they drop bits and pieces of rubbish everywhere.
But it seems the days of those types of rubbish bins are almost over, certainly in a big part of Macarthur.
Campbelltown City Council has just secured State Government funding for a roll-out of enclosed bins to deter scavenging birds and reduce litter in local parks and reserves.
Under the NSW Government’s Waste Less, Recycle More Initiative, $20 million has been allocated to promote innovative approaches to waste management, with litter named as a funding priority. Council was awarded $237,000 to replace the open-topped 50 litre bins currently used in parks and reserves.
The new bins include covered tops which are designed to stop birds from foraging in bins and dispersing litter through parks.
The new bins will also hold substantially more – up to 240 litres, decreasing the incidence of over-filling and requiring less servicing and litter clean up.
This will save council and ratepayers thousands of dollars, and allow council staff to focus on other environmental issues, such as illegal dumping.
The roll-out will begin in late October, commencing with Ambarvale’s Lake Mandurama Reserve and extending to 90 locations in the Campbelltown Local Government Area (LGA), including high use public spaces.
Mayor of Campbelltown, Cr Paul Hawker, said council was pleased to receive the funding to help reduce litter and improve the amenity of Campbelltown’s parks and reserves.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Increasing numbers of birds – cockatoos, crows and Australian White Ibis – have adapted to life in urban areas and forage through bins to supplement their diet,’’ the mayor said.[/social_quote]
“The new enclosed containers will prevent birds from accessing garbage and scattering litter throughout the area,” Cr Hawker said.
“Council is committed to utilising innovative waste management practices to protect the local environment and maintain the beauty of Campbelltown’s unique natural environment, for current and future residents of the city.
“Significant efficiencies and cost savings will result from this initiative, and our parks and reserves will be cleaner, more attractive places to visit.”
For more information on Council’s waste management and recycling initiatives, visit council’s waste and recycling website.
