MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire’s waste contractor is conducting a kerbside bin audit to measure contamination levels in household recycling bins.
The audit is being carried out by EC Sustainable as part of the shire’s waste services contract. The contamination rate – calculated by weighing and sorting the contents of randomly selected bins – directly determines the fee the shire pays to have contaminated material removed from recycling loads.
Last year, the contamination rate increased, adding $1m to the shire’s waste fees.
“Last year’s bin inspections revealed that our contamination rate had increased, which added $1m to our waste fees. Instead of paying the additional cost for our contractors to dispose of contaminated material, we would prefer to see that money go towards upgrades to infrastructure that benefit our community,” said acting mayor Cr Paul Pingiaro said.
The shire responded with a “Bin it right: Future’s bright” educational campaign, which included videos on correct sorting and information about items residents can dispose of for free at resource recovery centres.
Pingiaro said contamination also creates safety risks.
“Contamination in recycling bins doesn’t just add cost, it can also lead to dangerous situations. This year, batteries placed in kerbside bins have started at least two rubbish truck fires on the peninsula, putting neighbourhoods and our drivers at great risk.”
Audit teams will check bins left out for collection on randomly selected streets, with no advance notice given to residents. Assessors will note how full bins are and look for contamination in recycling and food and green waste (FOGO) bins.
The shire said no data is recorded against individual addresses, and bin contents are disposed of immediately after being sorted and weighed.
For recycling tips, visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/recycling
First published in the Mornington News – 2 June 2026
