National Recycling Week takes place from November 13 to 19, and Benalla Rural City Mayor Bernie Hearn has highlighted some key areas council will focus on during the week.
In partnership with Upcycle4Better, council has provided a textile recycling service at the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
Since the start of August, council said the service had been successful but still wanted to point the community in its direction to ensure that success continues.
Residents can recycle their pre-loved clothing and textiles that are too worn to be rehomed. The materials must be dry and placed in plastic bags to prevent contamination.
For residents disposing of quantities of textiles more than three garbage bags, council has asked if they could call ahead on 5760 2600 or email council@benalla.vic.gov.au to make arrangements.
Cr Hearn has stressed the importance of community participation.
“We have taken a significant step in providing this recycling service to our residents,” she said.
“Now, it’s crucial that we work together to ensure the textiles we recycle are free from contaminants and properly prepared for disposal.”
Council is also asking residents to be aware of the proper disposal of electronic waste to prevent hazardous incidents.
Cr Hearn is stressing the importance of disposing of e-cigarettes in the correct manner in particular.
“Such reckless actions pose significant risks to our drivers, residents and the environment and could potentially cost the council and residents tens of thousands of dollars if a truck is significantly damaged or worse,” she said.
Lithium batteries, commonly found in e-waste components including e-cigarettes, phones, laptops, electric toothbrushes, children’s toys, solar-powered devices and hand tools, are highly flammable. Incorrect disposal of these devices in general kerbside waste can spark fires in trucks, endangering lives and property.
E-waste is banned from all Victorian landfills, with residents no longer able to dispose of e-waste in curbside collections. Residents, instead, will need to dispose of their e-waste to be responsibly recycled at the Benalla Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre.
Small electrical appliances like kettles, toasters, children’s toys and battery-operated toothbrushes can also be disposed of at Council’s Customer Service Centre for a nominal cost of $2 per item.
E-cigarettes should also have their battery components safely removed and recycled in one of the many e-waste recycling units.
“We are fortunate to have several convenient options for e-waste disposal in Benalla,” Cr Hearn said.
“Apart from the landfill, residents can also utilise free recycling units located at prominent retailers in our community, including Woolworths, Aldi, Vinnie’s and the Benalla Grocer. These units accept batteries and small e-waste items such as mobile phones and smartwatches.
“By following proper disposal methods, we can collectively safeguard our community and environment, reducing the risks associated with the incorrect e-waste disposal.”
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