Monday, January 11, 2010

The cost of waste

A Daily Telegraph investigation has found mulching garden waste boosted state-owned waste corporation WSN Solutions' profit by 94 per cent.  State government-owned waste dumps and councils are making millions,charging twice as much to recycle organic waste than it costs to dump it.  The waste company made a $25 million profit from recycling last financial year - up from $12 million the year before.  The NSW Government earned an $4.8 million dividend from WSN Solutions.  The profit comes from the fees ratepayers are charged to recycle green waste - from backyard grass clippings to tree branches.  A home organic waste bin costs between $90 and $130 on top of the standard annual council fee.  Taking rubbish to Sydney's tips has also jumped 38 per cent - from $158 to $219 - in two years, making it cheaper to throw plant matter into landfill rather than mulch it.

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