In Devonport, Tasmania, waste management services are structured to promote environmental sustainability and efficient resource use. As of July 8, 2024, the Devonport City Council has implemented a fortnightly collection schedule for general waste, recycling, and Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bins.
Residents are responsible for providing their own 120-240 litre bins for general waste, with a maximum weight limit of 65 kilograms. These bins are collected fortnightly, and it's important to place them on the kerb the evening before the scheduled collection day. Items suitable for the general waste bin include household garbage, nappies (wrapped), polystyrene, foam meat trays, plastic packaging, food wrappers, cling film, window glass, glassware, mirrors, and pyrex. However, green waste, recyclables, renovation materials, hot ashes, syringes, liquids, acids, hazardous or chemical waste, paints, pesticides, oil, solvents, timber, bricks, rubble, food waste, meat, fish, poultry, scraps, and bones should not be placed in this bin.
The recycling service operates on a fortnightly basis, using yellow-lidded 240-litre bins supplied by Veolia. These bins are collected on the same day of the week as the general waste bins. Accepted materials include plastics numbered 1 to 6, newspapers, magazines, junk mail, cardboard, office papers, glass, milk and juice cartons, and steel and aluminium cans. It's essential to rinse all containers and remove lids before placing them in the recycling bin. Items such as soft plastics, window glass, mirrors, batteries, light globes, polystyrene foam, crockery, household rubbish, food items, household chemicals, oils, and nappies should not be placed in the recycling bin.
The FOGO service, introduced in July 2024, provides residents with a 240-litre green-lidded bin for the collection of food and garden waste. This bin is also collected fortnightly. Accepted items include fruit and vegetables, meat and bones, dairy products, cooked food, shrubs, small branches, green waste, lawn clippings, and pizza boxes. Items not suitable for the FOGO bin include recyclables, household waste, animal waste, all plastics (including biodegradable plastics), treated timber, building materials, and nappies.
For disposal of items not suitable for kerbside collection, the Spreyton Waste Transfer Station offers both waste disposal and recycling services. Located at Bay Drive, off Mersey Road, Spreyton, this facility provides an alternative for managing various waste types.
Residents can access the Recycle Coach app, available for download from the App Store or Google Play. This app provides information on what can and cannot be recycled, collection schedules, and can send email or SMS reminders.
By adhering to these guidelines and utilising available resources, Devonport residents can contribute to effective waste management and environmental sustainability in their community.