ERC wins Excellence in Environment Award with Three-Bin Blitz

Published on 06 December 2024

Edward River Council (ERC) is thrilled to announce its victory at the NSW LGA 2024 Excellence in the Environment Awards in the category of Behaviour Change in Waste for its innovative Three Bin Project roll-out.

This prestigious award, supported by the NSW Environment Protection Authority, highlights the outstanding achievements of local government organisations in managing and protecting the environment.

"This is great recognition of all the planning and hard work that has gone into the Three Bin Project over the last 18 months - by both Council teams and our community," said Mayor of Edward River Council, Cr Ashley Hall.

ERC was one of five finalists in the category and picked up the award for managing a dynamic leap from a single-bin system to an industry-leading three-bin kerbside collection system.

The Three Bin system came into effect in Deniliquin from 1st July 2024, supported by intensive education and engagement to reduce contamination, and required major changes to residents mindsets and waste behaviours.

The transformative Three Bins waste management project was initiated in response to the significant challenge of an ageing landfill nearing capacity.

This initiative was critical to enhancing waste management practices and ensuring the landfill's continued functionality.

ERC collaborated with a proficient contractor to move from a single bin system to a three bin system, enhancing efficiency and customer service outcomes, and encouraging sustainable habits with the introduction of landfill gate fees.

ERC adopted a bold, accelerated approach, avoiding the industry’s “slow and steady” recommendations. The strategy leveraged joint procurement and support from Riverina & Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) and Albury City Council to implement transformative changes.

This strategic, multi-pronged approach has propelled the region to the forefront of local government resource recovery. “The project has prioritised ethical waste treatment, the restructuring of Council operations and driven significant behavioural shifts among Deniliquin residents,” said ERC Interim CEO, Gary Arnold.

Mr Arnold stated that while the plan to seek long-term sustainability is ambitious and that the roll-out of the Three Bin system has not been without its detractors, positive results are being seen immediately.

“There has been a marked reduction in landfill drop-offs by residents, with preliminary data showing over 50% less waste sent to landfill. This is likely to lead to decreased operational costs and could potentially extend the landfill's lifespan by over 10 years,” said Mr Arnold.

For more information, please contact: Mark Dalzell, Director Infrastructure on 03 5898 3000.

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Media Enquiries:

Phone: Yvette Height 0439 314 408
Email: communications@edwardriver.nsw.gov.au