Shire of Waroona celebrates success of e-waste recycling program as council continues push against FOGO

The Shire of Waroona has revealed the success of its new e-waste recycling program as it continues its push against being forced to implement food and organic waste bins. The council revealed 88 per cent of electronic waste received at the Buller Road refuse disposal site since the program started in November had been diverted from landfill as councillors voted on the shire making a submission to the State Government’s draft waste strategy at last week’s meeting. Deputy shire president Naomi Purcell described the finding as “a great outcome”, while Cr Larry Scott said it was “an amazing result”. “It is great to see,” he said. As part of the submission to the draft strategy, the council will advocate for flexibility on measures to reduce environmental impacts. The shire claimed last year a three-bin service would cost residential ratepayers 35 per cent more in charges, due to the small number of users compared with the establishment and service delivery costs. It also claimed any environmental benefits from a FOGO bin system would be offset by the increased transportation distances the waste would need to travel. Under the State Government’s existing waste strategy, all Perth and Peel councils will be required to implement a third bin for food and organic waste by next year. Shire president Mike Walmsley expressed hope the council would not have to introduce the system. “The (Environment) Minister is not going to come out with a big stick ... and I think we’ve got a good argument,” he said. The vote was passed unanimously.