Recycling won't go to landfill

Published on 21 August 2019

Horsham Rural City Council is reassuring residents that recyclable materials placed in their yellow recycling bins will not go to landfill and will continue to be processed as normal.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has ordered the SKM Material Recycling Facilities in Coolaroo and Geelong to stop accepting recycling materials following several fires at the sites.

Council’s recycling collection contract, with Wheelie Waste, results in materials being sent for processing through Visy recycling, which is not impacted by this EPA decision.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said recycling services would not be affected by the closure of the SKM facilities and residents should put out their recycling bins as normal.

“Our community works hard to minimise waste and it’s important that they continue to be conscientious and recycle,” Mr Bhalla said.

Meanwhile residents are being urged to dispose of their electronic waste (e-waste) responsibly.

A new state-wide ban means e-waste will not be accepted in any bins or landfills across Victoria. 

E-waste is any item with a plug, battery or cord that is no longer working or wanted and covers a whole range of items, from old phones, computers and household appliances to power tools and toys. 

E-waste is accepted free of charge at all HRCC transfer stations.