Community general manager Keith Oberin said the survey was conducted annually to understand community behaviour relating to waste and the environment.
“The survey has provided valuable information on residents’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviours in relation to the environment and waste management practices,” he said.
Results of the survey will feed into the development of future waste education programs, with a focus on any demonstrated knowledge gaps.
Council said identified areas for improvement include what can go in the yellow bin, reducing contamination in recycling, what can be recycled for free at a transfer station and how to create less waste.
One year after the introduction of food scraps to the garden organics green bin service, 65 per cent of survey respondents now have a green bin, diverting more organics from landfill.
Other survey findings include:
● 92 per cent of residents put their recyclables into the bin without using a plastic bag
● More than two thirds of residents use one of Council’s transfer stations
● 85 per cent of residents take time to sort their unwanted materials before they arrive at a transfer station
● 97 per cent of residents are committed to recycling
● 60 per cent of residents said they recycle even when it requires more effort
● 48 per cent of residents believe the best way to create less waste is to avoid purchasing products with lots of packaging
● The most common way residents contribute to general waste minimisation is by reusing shopping bags.
“By working together to reduce waste and increase recycling, we can achieve a multitude of ecological benefits including less contamination in recovering waste products, cleaner air and a healthier environment,” Mr Oberin said.
The full survey results are available at campaspe.vic.gov.au
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