Authorities in Western Australia are persisting with their controversial strategy in the endless war on roadside litter … they are getting rid of the bins!
After a six-month trial in the West Kimberley during last year’s peak tourist season, Main Roads WA has declared that the removal of 270 roadside bins from highways had led to a reduction in litter.
The initiative started when some 200 bins between Halls Creek and Mary’s Pool were removed, and replaced with skip bin disposal points at 24-hour rest-stops. A further 70 bins were then removed in the East Kimberley in February.
In its newsletter, Main Roads stated the trial results had been positive and had been ‘generally’ supported by road users.
“The amount of loose litter in parking bays is much less than when litter bins were present and there has been no noticeable increase in the amount of roadside litter,” it said. “The amount of time spent by road maintenance crews on litter management is significantly less, allowing them to address other high priority maintenance works.”
The West Australian newspaper reports that additional signs have been installed along the highways of the region to inform road users of where they can dump their rubbish.
“Litter collection is now undertaken using purpose-built trucks resulting in improvements to workers’ health and safety outcomes, as well as reducing the overall cost of these activities,” said Main Roads WA. “There are currently 12 litter disposal points on the Kimberley road network that are managed by Main Roads WA.”
The West Australian says the department will monitor the results of the program and work with roadhouses and local governments as it seeks to reduce the roadside litter crisis.
The issue of roadside litter is one that is of great concern to many grey nomads. The need for fresh thinking on the ongoing problem has seen some innovative solutions suggested, including funnel-shaped bins that encourage motorists to open their vehicle windows and then throw their rubbish directly into them.
We were there last year. Found all bins full often and crows going through the bins and scattering the litter. If they maintained the collection of rubbish in the bins more often, in particular during peak season it wouldn’t be a big issue. The government and the communities are being supported by travelers.
I think it is a positive step forward….encouraging people to take their rubbish away with them and dispose in these big purpose built bins can only be an improvement. The roadside stops are often a disgrace with litter. toilet paper and disposable nappies among the worst culprits!
No problems. We take our rubbish to the next town. Will drive past bins on the side of the road because those that use them do not put lids back on. To lazy, so the crows etc pull all the rubbish out, and they are not emptied often enough. Just as easy to drop off at the next town where the bins are emptied more often
Skip bins are a good idea as some people seem to think that even if the bin is full that to put rubbish beside the bin is OK. It’s pure laziness. Take your rubbish with you!!
Might be fine for those in cars, etc but what about the truckies. I suppose it means they will somehow have to pull up on the side of the road to use the skip bins which happen to be right as you enter the rest area so blocking the entrance for everyone or drive through the rest area with campers parked everywhere. I was north just a month ago so had to pull into rest areas to dispose of rubbish don’t think I’d like to see a truck going through
Skip bins are a good idea. This will only work if we are responsible for our own rubbish. If WE decide to do the right thing then there will only be a constant improvement. We have to stop thinking that it is someone else’s problem and do the right thing.
And what happens when someone’s aim is off and they miss the funnel? You can just see it now – a bunch of loose rubbish around the funnel! It’s just a shame that people don’t feel responsible for their own garbage.
The skip bins are a great idea. Less mess in 24 hour parks as people dump when they leave. Loving the ammenities at all WA 24 hour parks. Take note NT.
People who leave their litter about will do so regardless – they are just the sort of people who really don’t care.
If the councils emptied the bins more often it would be a big help. And the bins with the heavy grids on top are very good – birds can’t open these!