Waste Actions Planned for 2019
The Waste Action Group met with members of MRSG last Saturday to plan our activities for the coming year.
The Waste Action Group is made up of passionate and concerned local residents who are keen to tackle the enormous problem of waste and littering in our environment. This group is open to all, and there are many ways you can join in. Watch this space as we will be posting about future action days and how you can join the War on Waste.
Waste is a BIG problem and we need you to help!
At the meeting, we decided on the following key Actions for 2019:
1. Sustainable Living Festival:
We will establish the SLF as a model large-scale waste-free event in the Macedon Ranges. This will be achieved through:
Wash against Waste van and crockery
Guidelines for Exhibitors
Food waste collection
Gathering and presenting data on waste diverted from landfill
2. Woodend Farmer’s Market:
We will establish the WFM as a model for other Macedon Ranges Farmer’s Markets and other market events to become waste-free.
Conduct a basic waste audit to gather initial data.
Wash against Waste van and crockery
Guidelines for Vendors
Instigate a Vendor bulk buying scheme for plastic-free packaging items (compostable cups, paper straws, paper bags etc)
Promote MRSG recycling collection point for batteries and Terracycle
Food waste collection
Follow up with a waste audit in 12 months to compare data.
3. Campaigns
Education: What Goes Where?
Build recycling information display boards to display at SLF, Farmer’s Market, Coles, Library and other locations; promote correct recycling streams, litter awareness and ways to reduce household waste.
Direct Action: Clean Up The Ranges
Hold community clean-ups, photograph and post to social media, local press engagement, target specific locations: schools, construction sites, public parks and reserves, target specific litter: plastic bottles, coffee cups, chip packets, sauce containers, straws.
Lobbying: We Want a Container Deposit Scheme.
Petitions, photos & videos sent to MP & local government offices.
Community Engagement: What Can I Do?
Promote & support ideas and events in association with Clean Up Australia Day, National Recycling Week, Earth Day, Plastic-Free July, Buy Nothing New Month etc.
4. Advocacy & Leadership:
Engage with Council to end single-use plastics at events. E.g. phasing in conditions for event permits.
Engage with Western Water and Coliban Water to increase public water fountains in the Macedon Ranges.
Lobby Council to provide a recycling & organics collection service to small businesses - it's the cheapest way to boost business recycling in a small town.
Visit Schools, Kinders & Community Groups and talk about waste, litter & recycling.
Engage with Council to target illegal dumping e.g. Introduce an annual Hard Waste amnesty.
Run a program of making and learning sessions: DIY waste-free living.
5. Partnerships:
Macedon Ranges Shire Council
Mount Alexander Sustainability Group
Macedon Ranges Libraries
Landcare Groups
Loddon Mallee Waste and Resource Recovery
Sustainable Hepburn Assn
Kyneton Transition Hub
Malmsbury Climate Action
Riddells Creek Transition Town
Macedon Ranges Food Banks
Op Shops
Woodend, Lancefield and Romsey Community Lunches
Woodend Community Bags
Kyneton & Lancefield Boomerang Bags
Woodend Repair Café
Local Men’s Sheds
Whole Town Garage Sales & Car Boot Sales
Transfer Station tip shops
