The residents of Armstrong Creek have become some of Geelong's best recyclers thanks to a recent recycling education campaign in the suburb.

Bin Inspection Program improves recycling outcomes

The City has been conducting bin inspections since 2017 to help residents understand what items can go in which bin. When contamination like plastic bags or polystyrene is found, we sticker bins and provide educational material to help residents use their bins correctly.

Keeping our recycling clean is crucial to supporting an Australian recycling industry that is financially and environmentally sustainable. The dirtier our recycling, the more it costs to process and the harder it is to find markets to make it into new items.

Armstrong Creek residents make a big impact on recycling

This year we focused on Armstrong Creek. With a high number of new residents and arrivals, it also had a higher level of contamination: about 15 percent of recycling bins we looked at had contamination in them, with the most common contaminants being items in plastic bags, soft plastics like bread bags and chip packets, and paper towel.

We’re delighted to report that Armstrong Creek more than rose to the challenge. By July, their recycling contamination rate had dropped to 5 percent - one of the lowest rates in Greater Geelong.

Well done Armstrong Creek, and thank you to all the residents we spoke to along the way who took the time to get their recycling right.

Free Recycling Fridge Magnet for Geelong

Want to make a big impact with your recycling? Request a free fridge magnet with the latest information on what goes in which bin to help your household get the most out of your bin services.

Recycling correctly is a small thing that we can all do to reduce the effects of climate change by reducing the extraction of raw materials, saving energy, and reducing emissions and water use that the manufacturing of raw materials causes.