Collection of the recycling, waste and green waste bins began this week, kicking off a joint collection initiative between Great Lakes, Greater Taree and Gloucester Councils.

Great Lakes Council’s waste management coordinator John Cavanagh said a major achievement of the program was the introduction of organic waste collection for the first time.

“By diverting it from landfill we’re reducing the amount of methane gas that is produced and reducing the amount of landfill space required which extends the life of the landfill.”

The new three bin system will also improve recycling rates, as residents can now recycle all plastic containers and bottles reducing the amount of unnecessary material that goes to landfill.

Mr Cavanagh said the smaller waste bins, which in actual fact have a larger capacity than the previous split models, are a deliberate attempt to curb the amount of waste products produced in each home.

The culmination of three years planning, he said the new program has seen a review in all levels of waste collection from the capacity of bins to a reduction in truck movements.

Robert Marlow, associate director of JR Richards and Sons, the waste contracter, said the 16 new garbage trucks each have GPS and cameras in and around the vehicles that track what waste is collected, from where and if it was in the correct bin.

He said the trucks’ increased collection capacity will see a reduction in movements curbing the amount of green house gases produced.

Old bins will be collected this month and chipped down to create new bins.

To find out your street’s new

collection day go to www.midcoastwaste.com.au or call the waste hotline on 1300 290 763.