A PLAN to install recycling bins on Peel St was almost scuppered as a number councillors feared it would be a waste of money.
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Tamworth Regional Council staff proposed to install 24 recycling bins on the main drag between White and Bourke streets for a 12 month trial.
With a $112,000 price tag, concerns of non-recyclable contamination and uncertainty in the industry, Glenn Inglis, Phil Betts and Charles Impey wanted the trial binned.
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“$112,000 for a 12-month trial way too much for me, that’s a very expensive trial,” Cr Inglis said.
Cr Betts echoed the financial fear and said the sum could be spent on recycling in a more efficient way to benefit more of the region.
Cr Impey cause for concern was the likelihood of contamination in the bins.
Cr Tickle, and mayor Col Murray, vehemently defended the trial and said it wouldn’t have come to council without staff doing their research.
“There’s recycling bins in public everywhere you go,” she said. “This came about as a result of community consultation and the overwhelming request to have more recycling in the community.”
Cr Murray said, while it did look expensive, he said council “couldn’t just judge on the financials”.
“Any recycling costs and it would be much cheaper to bury everything in waste, but that’s not a sustainable venture,” he said.
Tamworth Regional Council Sustainability Officer, Angela Dodson, said there has been strong feedback from the community indicating they would like to see recycling in more of Council’s shared community spaces.
“The trial is proposed in Tamworth’s main street to help gauge the community’s level of interest and involvement in recycling in public spaces,” she said.
“A quarterly audit of the recycling bins will take place during the trial to monitor the use of the bins and the level of contamination with the wrong items being put in.
“Contamination is always a possible risk with recycling but it is hoped the community will respond positively to this initiative and contamination will not be an issue.”
The council report proposes the new recycling bins be emptied four days of the week and for the cost of the trial to be funded from the Waste Reserve for the trial and the first year of servicing costs.
It will cost $73,200 to purchase the 24 bins and a further $39,200 for annual servicing costs and quarterly audits.