City of Kingston adopts new approach to coastal litter

Victoria's City of Kingston has launched the Bin it, or swim in it campaign - taking a fresh approach to keep its beaches clear of rubbish, particularly during the busy summer months.

With the council aware that the number of visitors to its beaches is increasing each year - and the existing bin system isn’t designed to cope with this amount of waste - the Bin it, or swim in it campaign is about ensuring a more efficient, effective, and responsive service, while improving amenity on local beaches, reducing litter and improving public safety.

To reduce rubbish left on beaches, the council is moving bins off the sand and placing them at key points along the foreshore, including pathways and car parks, where the community can easily access them, and the trucks can empty them more often.

Launching the initiative, a City of Kingston statement advised "this will enable us to increase the number of bin collections in summer and keep up with the growing demand. More collections will prevent full and overflowing bins, reduce beach litter and improve the environment."

The council anticipates that moving the bins off the sand will also ensure a more visually pleasing beach experience without unpleasant odours and importantly eliminate the need for waste vehicles to access the sand, which will improve safety for beach users. This change is consistent with the vast majority of coastal councils around Australia.

Explaining that the council is dedicated to caring for the coastline and urging all beach users to do the same, Kingston Mayor, Jenna Davey-Burns advised “Bin it, or swim in it is all about everyone taking personal responsibility for their waste, caring for our environment and ensuring our foreshore is a great place to be.

“Unfortunately, last summer we were consistently seeing people even piling large items like gazebos, tents, and chairs next to the bins on the beaches - it was really sad to see.

“We are very confident that the campaign and new arrangements will significantly reduce the impact of litter and greatly improve the beach experience for everyone.”

The new system is set to be in place before the end of September, with 216 bins to be located along the foreshore, including extra bins at hotspots in Mordialloc, Aspendale, Chelsea and Carrum.

The council says it will continue to monitor bin usage with the QR code bin reporting system and new bin sensors, which trigger a collection when the bins reach 70% full.

Each bin will have a timber surround to prevent damage and maintain the amenity along the foreshore and in neighbouring streets.

Image: Members of the Kingston community backing Bin it, or swim in it.