Councils urged to reduce emissions by recycling more
The state government has been urged to offer financial assistance to local councils recycle green waste, but regional areas are likely to be last to receive help.
Mayors and General Managers from the Riverina and Murray Regional Organisation of Councils (RAMROC) have been briefed on a recycling campaign aiming to halve the amount of landfill going to the Albury facility.
Project Manager Mike Ritchie said organic matter accounts for 60 per cent of household rubbish, yet many councils offer no green waste recycling options.
He admits though, council's aren't receiving any support.
"We hope that the New South Wales Government will look seriously at spending more of its landfill levy money that it raises through landfill taxes on supporting organic waste recycling throughout New South Wales," he said.
"Having said that, regional New South Wales doesn't pay the levy so the Government has to obviously prioritise its spend towards those council areas that contribute."
Mr Ritchie has also told local councils they can help reduce their carbon emissions by recycling more.
"It's only the organic waste when it gets landfill that generates methane," he said.
"It's organic waste, when it breaks down in the absence of oxygen generates methane and methance is a very potent greenhouse gas.
"Twenty one times more potent than carbon dioxide.
"So what we're finding is that council's when they're looking at the greenhouse strategy, turning their attention to waste management and particularly sending organics to landfill."
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