The 2024 residential bin survey, carried out between July and August last year, has revealed valuable information about how Ararat Rural City residents manage their household waste.

The survey was conducted by Australian sustainability, waste and resource recovery consultancy EC Sustainable.

The survey analysed the contents of randomly selected household general waste, recycling, glass and green waste bins across the municipality, revealing a positive uptick in the rate of recycling participation.

The results also found that since the introduction of the four-bin system, the average Ararat Rural City household generates 2.6kg less waste per week. This equates to approximately 590 tonnes less waste delivered to landfill.

While the survey revealed positive findings, it also highlighted areas for improvement. High contamination rates were also present due to the inclusion of treated wood, recyclable materials found in plastic bags, food left in plastic containers, and glass being incorrectly disposed of.

The survey results will inform future waste management strategies and improvements to waste services and education programs to boost recycling and reduce waste.

As part of Victoria's waste reform, Ararat Rural City Council introduced the four-bin system in 2022 through its Revolution Ararat program, separating waste into four categories: general waste, recycling, organics, and glass.

More information about what goes in your bin can be found on Council’s website: www.ararat.vic.gov.au/services/waste-and-recycling

"The four-bin system has been instrumental in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill, contributing to a more sustainable future for our community,” says Ararat Rural City Council CEO, Dr Tim Harrison. “This survey demonstrates what we can achieve when we work together.

“We want to thank the community for their efforts in embracing the four-bin system. Continued participation is crucial to reducing landfill waste, and we encourage all residents to maintain their efforts.”