Central Coast Council has engaged start-up company RecycleSmart, for a three-month trial program to collect tricky recyclables from the doorsteps of local residents’ homes for free.

This program aims to help Council collect data and feedback from residents, to determine what type of recycling service might be of interest and benefit to the wider community. 

Council Unit Manager Waste and Resource Recovery, Andrew Pearce said the trial also aims to reduce the number of recyclable materials that end up in landfill. 

“There is often confusion among residents over how to correctly dispose of tricky recyclables such as soft plastics, clothes, e-waste and problem waste like polystyrene, batteries and smoke alarms," Mr Pearce said.

“Also, having to visit different drop off locations is often an inconvenience and disincentive. This potentially being a contributing factor to material that could be recycled ending up in landfill or in the wrong bin.

“A from-home recycling service can potentially help reduce this, which is why we’re calling for the community to get involved and help us deliver a service that works for both them and the environment.

“If the program is determined to be a success and of benefit and interest to the local community, a long-term program may be implemented at a later date and following a tender process.”

Council Administrator, Rik Hart said he encourages local residents to take part in this trial program.

“This is an opportunity for locals to help us identify a recycling service that works for the wider community and something residents might be interested in accessing long-term,” Mr Hart said.

Residents wanting to take part in the trial should head to the RecycleSmart website, and register online or by downloading the app and filling out all required information. The app provides specific and localised information on how to correctly dispose of over 250 waste items, including soft plastics, clothes, e-waste and problem waste like polystyrene, batteries and smoke alarms.

Please note, registrations for participation in the trial period may be limited based on interest, so we encourage community members who want to participate to register as soon as possible.

Residents who are confirmed as registered, will be notified directly on their pickup date and will need to leave materials outside their home before 8am of the morning of collection. These materials will be collected from your front door and recycled. 

This trial program will run from now until the end of August 2022. 

This program is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste Less, Recycle More initiative funded by the waste levy and facilitated by Central Coast Council.

ENDS