Green light for Penrith’s green waste

Thursday, 8 November 2018

Concerns over the use of mixed waste organic material on agricultural land that led to the NSW Environmental Protection Agency stopping its use has had minimal impact to Penrith Council’s award winning waste collection services.

Concerns over the use of mixed waste organic material on agricultural land that led to the NSW Environmental Protection Agency stopping its use has had minimal impact to Penrith Council's award winning waste collection services.

Recent media reports have identified organic materials sorted from the red bin collections in other Council areas may include harmful materials and micro-plastics. In Penrith, organic processing occurs directly from the green lidded organics only bin, meaning it does not suffer from mixed collection contamination.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Council's leading waste program has enabled Council to produce a quality organic material that is suitable for a range of applications.

"Council made the decision in 2009 to introduce a 3-bin system which targets the sorting of food organics and green organics (FOGO), that foresight has placed Penrith as a leader in resource recovery and waste minimisation," Cr Fowler said.

"Residents should be commended for their support of our waste service and their willingness to sort their waste that has enabled a high quality contamination free compost that can be used for many different purposes."

Council is continuing to roll out the 3-bin system by adding rural and mutli-unit dwellings to the collection program.

"We have a commitment to expanding the 3-bin system throughout 2019, this will place Penrith in a prime position to reduce further waste to landfill while providing a quality services to residents," Cr Fowler said.

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 8 November 2018.