As we charge headfirst and blindfolded into an climatically tempestuous future, it’s good to see some councils investing in more sustainable practices. Next Tuesday, April 16 City of Melbourne councillors will meet to consider whether Kensington residents should get an extra household bin.
If the proposal is approved 700 households in Kensington would get an extra kerbside bin later this year for collecting food scraps and garden waste. The chair for the environment portfolio Cathy Oke said that food scraps make up 50 per cent of household waste in the municipality, with around 12,000 tonnes going to landfill in 2016-17.
"Food and garden waste would be collected weekly," says Cr Oke. "The trial would be supported by an education and engagement campaign and help us design an effective waste collection service for the whole municipality in the future."
The suggestion is part of the Waste and Recovery Strategy 2030, which also includes plans to introduce more shared waste hubs for businesses, remove some commercial bins from public spaces and drive demand for recycled products.
Other Melbourne councils like Glen Eira City Council, Hume City Council and Moreland City Council already allow (or have plans to start letting) food scraps to be placed in organics bins.