November 2nd, 2023Polystyrene recycled as resource recovery options expand in Macedon shire

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council says it’s leading the way in reducing waste to landfill by providing resale shops, textile and polystyrene recycling, and free mulch for residents at its resource recovery facilities.
The council has been awarded just over $150,000 through the Victorian Government’s Circular Economy
Councils Fund for an upgrade of the resale shop at the Kyneton resource recovery facility and the
development of a new resale shop in Romsey.
The $5.9 million fund, delivered by Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s Recycling
Victoria New Economy policy, provides funding to councils and alpine resort management boards for
projects that reduce waste to landfill and transition towards a circular economy.
The council’s Director Assets and Operations, Shane Walden, welcomed the funding and said resale
shops were a fantastic way to divert usable goods from landfill while giving residents and visitors the
opportunity to buy unique and affordable items.
“We know our community is passionate about recycling and repurposing goods, and trying to reduce
the amount of waste that goes into landfill,” he said. “The resale shops will provide another local
option for residents to donate usable goods and pick up items at bargain prices.”
The upgrade of the Kyneton resale shop is scheduled for completion by Christmas this year, while the
opening of the resale shop at the Romsey resource recovery facility is planned for mid-2024.
The council has also recently expanded its services to include free textile and polystyrene recycling at
resource recovery facilities in another proactive step to reduce waste going into landfill.
Residents can drop their damaged textiles including clothes, shoes, linen and more, at resource
recovery centres where they are then collected for reuse, repair, and recycling. Items that are not
damaged and still in good condition should still go to the nearest op shop.
The textile recycling initiative is delivered in partnership with Upcycle4Better, who turns recycled
textiles into other reusable items such as bags and cleaning cloths.
Clean, white expanded polystyrene can also be recycled for free at resource recovery facilities as
long as it is free from dirt, tape, labels and ink. Recycled polystyrene is turned into items such as
picture frames, skirting boards, decking and other household products.
In keeping with sustainable practices, Council also has free self-loaded mulch available to residents at
all three of its resource recovery facilities, with delivery available within the shire for a fee.
“Spring is the perfect time to apply fresh mulch to your garden to stop topsoil from drying out over
summer, reduce water consumption, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and prevent weeds,” Mr
Walden said.
“We have plenty of mulch available across our three sites, so I encourage you to take advantage of the free offer or the reasonable delivery fee option.”