Council launches new sustainable living campaign
Published on 26 June 2024
To promote sustainable living and responsible waste management, Swan Hill Rural City Council is excited to announce the launch of its new campaign, "Small Acts Make a Big Impact."
Council’s Director Infrastructure, Leah Johnston said the initiative was aimed at helping residents discover simple yet effective ways to reduce waste and recycle correctly, ensuring a healthier and more sustainable future for our community.
"Every small action counts when it comes to protecting our environment and our new campaign provides practical tips that everyone can follow to make a significant difference.
“We will be widely promoting key messages about ways that residents can have an impact by following some very easy tips.
“We encourage residents to participate and contribute to a greener, more sustainable region,” she said.
Ms Johnston said by adopting small actions, residents can make a big impact on our sustainable future.
“Small steps can not only protect the environment, but also promote a culture of sustainability and responsible behavior,” Ms Johnston added.
Ms Johnston said the new campaign would serves as a reminder that every small act contributes to a significant positive change.
For more information about the "Small Acts Make a Big Impact" campaign, please visit Council's Website or contact
Council's top five tips to help residents reduce waste and recycle more effectively are:
- Recyclables Need to Be Loose, Not Bagged\
Bagged recyclables are often sent to landfill because plastic bags can entangle machinery, and sharp or hazardous items inside bags pose safety risks to workers. By disposing of items loose, more recyclables can be turned into new products like roads, footpaths, planter boxes, and park benches.
- Check Council's Website for Information on What Can and Cannot Be Placed in Your Bin
Swan Hill Rural City Council’s website offers comprehensive guidelines on the types of items that can and cannot be placed in your bins. Following these guidelines ensures that your waste sorting and recycling efforts are effective. For more information, visit Council's website: https://www.swanhill.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/What-can-go-in-your-bin
- Empty Food and Liquid from Jars and Containers, and Lightly Rinse
Food, liquid, and other items left inside recyclable containers can contaminate recycling streams. By emptying food and liquid from containers and lightly rinsing them, you can improve the quality of recyclables, ensuring more items can be successfully recycled.
- Properly Dispose of Used Batteries
Drop off used batteries at appropriate recycling drop-off points to prevent them from ending up in landfills. Batteries contain hazardous materials that can leach into the soil and water, and they can cause fires in collection trucks and recycling facilities.
Proper disposal ensures that valuable resources can be reused.
Find your nearest battery recycling collection point by visiting: https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/
Planning your weekly meals and eating leftovers at least once a week is a simple yet effective way to reduce food waste and minimize environmental impact. By consuming leftovers before they spoil, you help reduce the amount of food sent to landfills and lower greenhouse gas emissions from food production. Plus, it's a budget-friendly and convenient way to enjoy meals without creating unnecessary waste.