Administrator Richard Pearson said that the award was another testament to Council’s delivery of best practice solutions for the community.
“We are delighted to receive this award, which acknowledges Council’s hard work in bettering our community’s future, by improving recycling practices in our community through better education.
“This successful campaign originally targeted the former Ashfield local government area. We are now looking to roll out its scope across the whole Inner West service area,” Mr Pearson said.
The education campaign, designed in close consultation with the community, encouraged residents to increase the amount of recyclables in their recycling bins, as well to reduce the amount of contamination, so that more waste could be diverted from landfill.
A fun, educational character, Inspector Bin was created to deliver messages on how to recycle correctly across numerous formats: bin signage, bus shelters and train station advertisements, social media, video clips in shopping centres, as well as through roving entertainers at Council events.
The comprehensive campaign also included a special Waste and Recycling app which was created to remind users about bin collection days and to provide recycling tips.
Local children were also exposed to educational messages via an Inspector Bin colouring competition, and Council staff were encouraged to lead by example by reducing their use of plastic bags and improving their recycling practices.
The ‘Inspector Bin, Recycling It’s Easy’ project was supported by the NSW EPA's Waste Less, Recycle More initiative, funded from the waste levy.
The Inner West Council has received a Highly Commended Award at the recent Blue Star Sustainability Awards for its ‘Inspector Bin, Recycling It’s Easy’ campaign.