Since 2016, households in Unley have been taking the pledge to recycle food scraps in organics bins and decrease contamination in recycling bins.
The program is communicated via Social Media, bin tags, workshops, presentations and newsletters.
Participating households share their commitment by placing a sticker on their bin, further encouraging community engagement, which is steadily growing.
100 households are randomly selected for inspection twice a year to assess behaviour change. Inspections have shown that 70% of pledge participants recycle more and place food scraps in the organics bin, diverting 920 grams more organic material. Since ‘Take the Pledge’ began, materials to landfill have reduced by over 1,000 tonnes.
Empowered participants are now keen to become ambassadors for the campaign, to assist their communities by sharing experiences, tips and tricks.
Go to www.unley.sa.gov.au/Bins-pets-parking/Waste-recycling/Reducing-Waste for further information.
Pledge Testaments
“We all have to do our bit for the environment!”
“Good initiative! I find it rewarding seeing how empty I can keep my blue bin and hopefully others can do the same.”
“It’s easy!”
Pledge achievements
- 1,787 households currently participating (from June 2019)
- 21 households joining per month (average from Nov 2018 – Jun 2019)
- Over 70 prizes awarded annually (prizes in 2018 & 2019)
- The Pledge has resulted in approximately 1,000 tonnes less to landfill (2016 – 2019 kerbside tonnage)