Bayswater Mayor Dan Bull is urging Cleanaway and the South Metropolitan Regional Council (SMRC) to work together to urgently find a solution that will prevent thousands of tonnes of recyclables ending up in landfill.
On 25 November a fire at its South Guildford Material Recovery Facility has left Cleanaway scrambling to find a new destination for collected recyclables to prevent them from going to landfill. This impacts at least 20 local governments, including the City of Bayswater, as Cleanaway is responsible for processing their recyclables.
An interim arrangement was put in place, with recyclables diverted to SMRC’s Regional Recovery Centre (RRRC) in Canning Vale temporarily, but this agreement lapsed on 24 January. At this stage there is no contract in place for the future processing of recyclables at the RRRC facility.
“I am really disappointed negotiations between Cleanaway and SMRC have broken down.
“I urge both parties to recommence negotiations to prevent thousands of tonnes of recyclables being dumped in landfill.
“This is an issue of State significance and effects over half of metropolitan Councils. It is great the State government has indicated they are prepared to put money on the table to help resolve the matter.
“Here at Bayswater we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of waste management. An early adopter of the three bin system, we are committed to reducing waste and educating our residents about how they can contribute.
“I know our community are passionate about recycling and want to do the right thing.
“As part of our commitment to waste reduction, the City will introduce a FOGO (Food Organics Garden Organics) waste system later this year. Residents will be able to put their food waste into their green waste bin so they too can be diverted from landfill and processed to make nutrient rich compost.
“The City is working closely with our waste services contractor, Cleanaway, to find an interim solution to this issue. In the meantime I encourage residents to continue their good recycling habits.