Community making a change with green organics

We’re introducing a mandatory green organics service from July in an effort to ‘go green’ and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.

It will complement the existing waste (red bin) and recycling (yellow bin) services, with details to come on the frequency, cost, and day of the service.

The current green organics service charge is $53 per annum, with the new charge likely to be similar. The service will be introduced in Angaston, Lyndoch, Mount Pleasant, Nuriootpa, Penrice, Springton, Stockwell, Tanunda and Williamstown.

It comes on the back of consultation by Council last year which showed community support for a mandatory green organics service.

Ratepayers who can demonstrate they have an existing green organics system in place can apply for an exemption before 1 April 2021.

The green organics service is currently optional, with a 50 % uptake, representing around 4000 properties. However, Mayor Bim Lange believes it’s time for Council to show social and environmental leadership for long-term sustainability.

“We appreciate that not everyone will want or need this service, but as a Council we have a role to lead the way in responsible disposal of waste,” Mayor Lange said.

“We know landfill disposal rates are growing, and diverting just 20 percent of organic waste from landfill could save nearly $46,000 a year on the landfill levy.”

Mayor Lange encouraged people to find out more about what can go in the green bin, saying they might be surprised.

“This not only keeps our costs down but means those materials have a second life as garden mulch.”

Subject to final Council approval, the rollout of bins will begin this financial year. The charge will appear on rates notices from the first quarter of the 2021-22 financial year, with property owners to pay for the service at tenanted properties.