As Ballarat waits for the introduction of a green waste service in the city, a local youth group has taken matters into their own hands.
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Road R.A.G.E (Ride Against Green House Emissions) this week begun a city-wide organic waste collection service as part of the team's commitment to reducing greenhouse emissions in Ballarat.
Co-ordinator Tony Davidson said the program provided kerbside pick up for about one third of the cost of taking the waste to the transfer station and also helped Road RAGE continue its programs to develop local youth.
“We have been collecting organic waste from Ballarat Health Services as well as St John's Hospital and North Ballarat Sports Club for some time, but this week have been able to expand the program to include multiple pubs, cafes, restaurants, schools and gardening services and would be happy to hear from residents who would like to be included,” he said.
“Our program saves money for the vendors, saves money for all rate payers by reducing the need to construct new landfills, has significant environmental benefits for everyone and helps continue our programs for local young people.”
The City of Ballarat provided an update on its plans to modernise council’s waste services this week by committing to having an integrated waste management system up and running by the end of the financial system.
Council will be hoping its new system can replicate the initial success of the Golden Plains Shire Council.
Golden Plains overhauled of its waste service included 240-litre garbage bins being picked up fortnightly and recycling bins collected weekly. Councillors endorsed the changes late last year and results have shown an immediate impact since coming into play in July.
Residents and business owners responded with a 130 tonne decrease in waste to landfill just one month as a result of the new kerbside collection service.
Coupled with a massive 55 tonne increase in collected recycling, mayor Des Phelan said it was clear the community was making a big effort to adapt to the new routine.
“To say we’re thrilled is an understatement,” he said
“The latest data translates to a saving of 26 trucks of waste at the one month mark of the new service.
“We understand our ratepayers have busy lives, which makes it all the more impressive that they are taking the time to look at what’s going in their waste and recycling bins.