Colac Otway resumes sending kerbside recycling to SKM
Published on 15 March 2019
Colac Otway resumes sending kerbside recycling to SKM
Recycling processor SKM has recommenced receiving of recyclable material at its Laverton and Geelong facilities and Colac Otway Shire Council has resumed sending kerbside recycling to SKM.
Council’s Infrastructure and Leisure Services General Manager Tony McGann said during the SKM disruption, Council’s waste contractor Wheelie Waste had made alternative arrangements with another processor to take the shire’s kerbside recycling.
“Last month, EPA ordered council’s recycling processor SKM to stop receiving recyclable material until further notice at Coolaroo and Laverton,” Mr McGann said.
“Following this, SKM made the decision to voluntarily stop receival of recyclable material at Geelong.
“Colac Otway was fortunate to have a recycling option during SKM’s temporary closure and did not have to send recyclable material to landfill,” Mr McGann said.
“Council has been advised that Laverton is now compliant with EPA requirements and SKM has recommenced receiving of materials at this site.
SKM has also recommenced receiving of material at Geelong.
“It is now more critical than ever for residents to correctly sort their recycling for kerbside collection - we have a great record when it comes to recycling and want to keep the momentum going.
“Residents can help by carefully separating recyclables from non-recyclable materials and placing them in the correct bin. If you’re not sure what should go into the recycling bin, visit Council’s website at www.colacotway.vic.gov.au to find out.
“The best thing that residents can do is minimise the amount of waste they produce in the first place – shop smart and avoid unnecessary packaging. Using reusable drink bottles and coffee cups are great ways to start,” Mr McGann said.
“Council would like to thank residents for their patience and cooperation during the SKM disruptions.”
Council has recycled about 120 tonnes of materials since SKM’s temporary closure.
The cost of sending 120 tonnes of recyclables to landfill would have cost Council approximately an additional $23,000.
The cost of sending the materials to Wheelie Waste’s recycling contractor was approximately an additional $5,000.