Recycling is undoubtedly a crucial practice that significantly benefits our environment. However, some people may find it difficult to do it effectively, and one council initiative has highlighted who does it properly.

In a move that has sparked controversy and debate, a major city council has implemented a new system to rate residents on their recycling habits.

The policy, which involves tagging bins with green or red badges post-collection, has been met with mixed reactions from the community, with some calling it 'disgraceful' and 'laughable’.



Linda Hall, a resident of Chirnside Park in Melbourne, was surprised to find a green paper tag with a smiley face and a congratulatory message looped around her recycling bin handle.

The tag, bearing the Yarra Ranges Council logo, was a pat on the back for her compliance with recycling guidelines.



However, not all her neighbours were as lucky.

Some received red tags marked with a sad face and a plea to 'Please recycle correctly,' which, according to Hall, led to visible embarrassment among some residents.

‘I felt sadness for my neighbours who got red tags. I saw their faces. Some laughed it off, while others, I could see the humiliation,’ she said.



The sentiment of public shaming was echoed by many in the community.

Hall expressed her concern, stating that while she agrees that recycling incorrectly is problematic, the council's approach might not be the most effective way to address the issue.

She questioned whether genuine mistakes were being considered and highlighted that passersby sometimes dispose of items in bins, which could unfairly contribute to a household receiving a red tag.

‘People do the wrong thing, which I think is wrong, but has anyone stopped to ask why? Is it possible they made a genuine mistake?’ she asked.

‘I do object to this tactic... it's a waste of money,’ she said.



While the Yarra Ranges Council did not state the purpose of this initiative or when it started, it follows a nationwide effort to reduce waste contamination and promote proper rubbish disposal.

The conversation has garnered mixed reactions online, with some siding with Hall.

‘It's laughable,’ one person said.

Another pointed out that his partner and two small children would push their waste into ‘whatever bin it fits’.

‘Not out of choice but necessity,’ he explained.



However, the council’s rating system has not been without its supporters.

Some residents have welcomed the tags, arguing that stricter measures are necessary to improve recycling practices in Australia. They believe that starting at the household level is essential for making a broader impact.

‘We need more of this because people put their rubbish into their recycling bins, contaminating the loads in the trucks,’ one commenter said

This news follows the announcement of an increase in kerbside bin collection charges in the City of Yarra, Melbourne. The bin tax is rising by an average of 30 per cent, significantly higher than the allowed rate increase of 2.75 per cent. You can read more about that here.
We encourage our members to share their thoughts on this policy. Have you experienced similar initiatives in your area? Do you feel that public tagging is a necessary step towards better recycling habits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!