Bin Audits

Bin audits are standard practice for Councils wishing to improve waste management services and increase diversion from landfill.

Lithgow City Council conducts an annual audit of residential bins. The results of this annual audit assist with further improving waste services such as introducing new bin services, configuring bin systems and education to increase recycling, reduce contamination and reduce waste to landfill. The annual audit is now in its 4th year.

Garbage bins

The collection and analysis of data from kerbside bins is an important process for Councils and audits are conducted according to a methodology and reporting framework established by the NSW Government.  The data is used to guide strategic decision making to deliver best practice waste services for the community as well as achieve local and state government waste reduction and resource recovery targets and outcomes.

The surveys of randomly selected households include:

  • A visual survey of bins presented, such as how full the bins are and condition of the bins.
  • Collecting bin contents from the kerbside on the normal waste collection day.
  • Sorting of bin contents at a waste facility into categories for weighing,
  • Disposal or recycling as usual.

The information collected is analysed and reported in an aggregated form. Conditions of the project prohibit the public reporting of any specific details related to any individual household or personal information.

 

FAQs

 Click on the questions below to expand for the responses.

Why aren’t residents provided with the audit dates?

It is important for the audit to measure what is normally placed in kerbside bins. Any prior notification of the audit taking place could lead to modified waste disposal behaviour which would limit the effectiveness of the audit.

Why don’t the usual collection trucks get delayed so the auditors can work during daylight hours?

The trucks are still required to undertake normal collections during the audit and meet the normal deadlines. Delaying the trucks would not allow sufficient time for them to complete their normal collection routes and for the collected material to be delivered to the processing facilities by close of business.

 

Why does Council engage a professional waste auditor?

The annual audit is designed and conducted to conform to the NSW Government’s “Guidelines for Conducing Household Kerbside Residual Waste, Recycling and Garden Organics Audits in NSW Local Government Areas”. Council engaged a contractor who specialises in waste audits. This ensures the data is compliant, consistent, accurate and meaningful.

 

Which bins are audited?

All three kerbside bins – red (general waste), yellow (recyclables) and green (organics), are included in the audit.