Recycling is up and waste to landfill is down across the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, according to a report from the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA).

While general waste to landfill has reduced by 20 per cent across the region, the City of Victor Harbor is claiming bragging rights with a 23 per cent reduction, compared to the previous year.

The council is also claiming success for the changed collection regime over the 2022/23 summer holiday period.

FRWA collected yellow recycling bins and green food organics and garden organics (FOGO) bins weekly from 19 December 2022 to 27 January 2023.

Victor Harbor council says the results have been outstanding, with its waste diversion rate improved from 56 per cent to 70 per cent.

Some statistics for the City of Victor Harbor compared to the 2021/22 summer season:

• Waste to landfill was reduced by 23 per cent.
• FOGO increased by 60 per cent.
• Recycling increased by 16 per cent.
• 327 tonnes of general waste was sent to landfill (a decrease of 95 tonnes).
• 498 tonnes of FOGO was collected (an increase of 187 tonnes).
• 260 tonnes of recycling was collected (an increase of 35 tonnes).

The council says the figures show the community adapted well to the summer collection change, and residents embraced the opportunity to recycle more. 

“The Fleurieu Peninsula continues to lead the way when it comes to waste management, being the first councils in South Australia to provide weekly collection of recycling and FOGO over the summer period.”

“While feedback from residents was mostly positive, some households noted confusion around the collection schedule change, and others expressed a desire for FOGO collection at rural properties. 

“We will continue to analyse our waste management systems and consider how we can improve this service for the community.”

Kerbside collections have now returned to their usual fortnightly schedule, with yellow recycling bins collected one week and green FOGO and blue general waste bins in the alternate week.

Go to the FRWA website for local waste collection schedules across the Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island.