Published on Tuesday, 18 February 2020 at 3:57:57 PM
The City of Vincent’s short-term recycling issue will be resolved next week after two recycling processors reached an agreement in the wake of a major fire at a Cleanaway plant.
Cleanaway had been sending the City’s recyclables to Southern Metropolitan Regional Council for recycling since a fire destroyed the waste contractor’s $20 million plant in November.
But in late January, Cleanaway told the City of Vincent its recycling would be diverted to landfill from Monday 3 February because it could not come to a long-term agreement with SMRC.
The recycling processors have now reached an agreement for SMRC to receive and sort at least 50,000 tonnes of kerbside recycling each year.
The agreement comes after the State Government indicated it would provide funding to SMRC to help resolve the issue.
SMRC will start processing the City’s recycling again next week, as early as Monday.
“Any recycling going to landfill is a major concern, but it is such a relief that Cleanaway and SMRC have been able to come to an agreement,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“This is a really sensible solution and we want to thank the Environment Minister the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC and the State Government for bringing the parties together and helping to resolve the matter.”
The City had been working urgently to try to find a solution to its recycling being sent to landfill, including exploring its contractual obligations with Cleanaway.
Discussions over the contract were complicated by the fact Cleanaway is responsible for the collection, transportation and processing of recyclables in the City of Vincent.
“The agreement between Cleanaway and SMRC is the simplest solution we could have hoped for,” said Mayor Cole.
“This issue has been a priority for us and we are pleased to see a quick resolution.
“We want to thank the community for bearing with us and for continuing their good recycling habits during this short break in service.”
SMRC will receive recyclables from Cleanaway until the waste contractor is able to rebuild the facility that was destroyed by fire.
Cleanaway will put an interim processing solution in place for any remaining recyclables, which will primarily involve hand sorting.
For more information, contact the City on 9273 6000 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au
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