Campbelltown City Council is conducting a trial to test the effectiveness of bin latches to prevent birds from opening bin lids and creating a litter problem around the bins in parts of our LGA.
Bin latches are designed for residential bins to reduce waste from falling out of bins when they are blown over in windy conditions, creating a litter issue. It is hoped that the design of these latches may also reduce the ability of our feathered friends to open bins and create a litter issue when searching through the bins for food.
We have purchased two different types of latch's for residents from selected suburbs who are having issues with birds accessing their bins to trial on their general waste (red lid) and recycling (yellow lid) bins. Bin latches only work when the bin lid is completely closed. They are ineffective on overfilled bins.
How to Participate
As we have limited number of latches, residents will only be able to participate in the trial if they:
- Reside in Ruse, Airds, St Helens Park, Kentlyn or Minto Heights ONLY. Proof of residency will be required
- Must have an ongoing issue with birds creating litter problems from their bins
- Commit to providing regular feedback via on-line surveys for a 12 month period
- Be responsible for the installation of the latches on the bins
- Agree to all the terms and conditions before signing up
- Must be able to collect the latches from Council’s Administration Centre – 91 Queen St, Campbelltown during operating hours.
Read the full terms and conditions and complete the request to participate in the Bin Latch Trial form.
How to install
Once you have received your latches, make sure you follow these instructions to install your latches on your bins correctly. If your latch is damaged or broken during installation it will not be replaced. You will be asked to report back that this was what happened as part of the trial data surveys.
Secure - A - Lid - follow the instructions that came with the latch or view the video (choose the second video from the suppliers page).
SafeWaste - follow the instructions for the multi-fit version of this latch .
How they work
The two latches being trialled look very different. Watch the introduction video on the home page of SafeWaste to see how the latch releases on collection day.
For the Secure – A – Lid version, you can watch a demonstration video on their website.
Tips to stop birds from accessing your bins
- Make sure your bins are not overfilled and the lid is completely closed
- Ensure your recycling is clean and there is no food in any of your recyclable containers. Never bag recycling, it will be treated as contamination and go to landfill
- We know they are clever and can learn to open lids – double bag your general waste (red lid bin only) so it is harder for the birds to access any items in your general waste.