In Australia, it is compulsory to learn proper garbage disposal techniques, and failure to comply can result in fines.
When Australia is mentioned, one immediately thinks of its blue waters, blue skies, and green kangaroos. The stunning environment and cleanliness of public places in Australia are deeply connected to the people’s strong environmental protection values and strict garbage disposal practices. Australians maintain the beauty of their surroundings through several measures:
Living in Australia, it is mandatory to learn how to classify garbage.
While it may appear simple, attention to detail is crucial as littering is subject to fines. To ensure compliance, it is important to carefully read the government-issued waste sorting booklet, available in multiple languages including English, Chinese, Korean, and more. These booklets explain the rules, regulations, and precautions regarding garbage sorting.
Whether you are traveling or residing in Australia, you will notice that every household has its own garbage bin.
Once a week, you are required to place the garbage bin outside the door, and dedicated personnel will assist in its collection. It is essential to be mindful when disposing of garbage to avoid fines.
Australia’s three-color system!
Australia follows a three-color system for garbage collection. The system involves three colored bins, which are similar to the concept of a dual bin system.
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The red-covered garbage bin is designated for general household waste and contains “non-recyclable” garbage.
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The green-covered garbage bin is for “green household waste,” which primarily includes kitchen waste.
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The yellow-covered garbage bin is used for “recyclable waste” such as paper, glass bottles, aluminum cans, iron cans, and rigid plastic bottles.
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By adhering to this three-color system and properly sorting garbage, Australians contribute to effective waste management and environmental sustainability.
There are specific rules and regulations regarding the placement of garbage cans:
The distance between two garbage cans should be at least 50cm.
- There should be no large obstacles, such as cars or trees, within a 1-meter radius of the garbage can.
- The weight of the trash inside the garbage can should not exceed 75 kg (some communities may have lower weight limits, such as 70 kg).
- The garbage can should be placed between 0.5 meters and 1.0 meters away from the road (some communities may specify a range of 0.5-1.5 meters).
- After the garbage is collected, within 24 hours, the garbage can should be pushed back to its original place.
So what should we do with the garbage?
For waste that cannot be placed in regular garbage cans, the government provides recycling services. These specific types of waste, such as metal, garden plants, and household waste, should be placed separately on the roadside. Three different trucks are designated to collect these items for recycling.
As part of future development, the recycling system will further categorize and separate different types of rubbish. The government ensures that trucks are available to manage the collection of discarded metals and other recyclable materials.