National Recycling Week has been around for 25 years. The annual event was established by Planet Ark in 1996 as an opportunity for councils, workplaces, schools and individuals to improve our recycling knowledge, build better recycling habits and build trust in recycling.
To celebrate this milestone anniversary the theme this year is "Celebrate National Recycling Week YOUR way!"
So that's just what Kempsey Shire Council is doing.
If you could talk to the animals
Council has commissioned a series of artworks by local Aboriginal artist Stephen McLeod representing the very special creatures who are deeply impacted by our waste.
With a focus on litter, the series, featuring a kangaroo, a kookaburra and a dolphin, uses the great imagery and a touch of humour to remind us all to consider the real impact of tossing our rubbish away and not putting it in the right bin.
Let your phone put out your bins
Speaking of the right bin, council is also unveiling a new smart phone application for residents this week.
Just search for "Kempsey Waste" in your app store and you'll find the Kempsey Shire Waste App. It's perfect if you find yourself always checking which bin the neighbours have put out to figure out if its yellow bin or red bin week.
The free app is also the perfect way to make sure you're always putting your unwanted materials in the right bin. Where does that used pizza box go? What about that unwanted leftover fish? Or the fast food wrappers?
The app has an easy to use A to Z that will tell you the answer for all those in the green bin and loads more.
With a personalised bin collection calendar, optional bin day reminders, FAQs and all the information you could possibly need about council's waste services, it's a great tool for making life - and recycling - easier.
So this National Recycling Week, do it your way. Grab the app. Think about the animals.
