It’s the latest council initiative dividing residents, but beyond the kerbside drama, a new ‘bin tagging’ program in Perth’s Town of Victoria Park could have unexpected implications for the local property market.
As councils across Australia roll out schemes to improve recycling, the question for homeowners and investors is: could your rubbish habits inadvertently impact your suburb’s appeal?
The Town of Victoria Park council this week announced the rollout of a state government-funded education program designed to “help residents build confidence with correct waste sorting”.
MORE NEWS
Aus council’s bizarre waste bin warning
Revealed: Australia’s safest suburbs to live in
Your lawn obsession could cost you everything
The initiative involves a “non-intrusive check of the top of your kerbside bins on collection day”, with household bins then tagged with a smiley or sad face, alongside feedback on how to improve.
City of Victoria Park Council has started tagging resident’s bins. Source: City of Victoria Park
Tags with smiley or sad faces are places on residents’ bins. Source: City of Victoria Park
While the concept of “bin tagging” has previously sparked controversy, with some residents feeling “shamed” by the public display of their recycling prowess – or lack thereof – the Perth council is adding a unique twist: financial incentives.
“No fines, no penalties, just a chance to win weekly $50 vouchers and a $200 grand prize,” the council shared online, igniting a fierce debate among locals.
For some residents, however, it’s a step too far.
“This is a joke, isn’t it. We’re really going to have people coming around and looking in our bins and dealing out smiley stickers or not,” one resident commented, likening it to being “back in kindy” or “big brother” surveillance.
Such sentiments could raise questions about a suburb’s perceived liveability and privacy, factors that often weigh heavily on potential buyers.
However, others believe it’s a “great initiative”, arguing that “poor separation of our waste materials leads to increased costs, not to mention defeats the whole purpose of having different bins.”
The controversial big tagging scheme has been rolled out more broadly across the country. Source: WA Government/Reddit
The program’s proponents claim bin tagging has been shown to improve recycling rates by up to 25 per cent and reduce contamination by up to 60 per cent.
From a property standpoint, these improvements could translate into tangible benefits.
Cleaner recycling streams and less waste sent to landfills contribute to a greener, more sustainable community – a significant drawcard for modern families and eco-conscious investors.
Increased landfill costs are also often cited by councils to raise annual rates.
By reducing the high costs councils face for processing contaminated recycling, funds could be redirected towards enhancing local infrastructure or community programs.
Improved amenities, parks, and services can directly boost a suburb’s desirability and, by extension, its property values.
The program aims to educate households about recycling and cross contamination. Source: WA Government
The bin tagging initiative has already been rolled out extensively across Australia, including in Western Australia, NSW, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia.
Previously, Linda Hall from Chirnside Park, Melbourne spoke to Yahoo News after the initiative was introduced in her area.
“I felt sadness for my neighbours who got red tags. I saw their faces. Some laughed it off, while others, I could see the humiliation,” she said.
Mum Kali, also from Melbourne, agreed she felt it was “shaming” residents.
“Our whole street was embarrassed about it,” she told Yahoo.
A Melbourne mum has revealed her entire street was left ‘offended’ after council left notes on residents’ bins. Source: Supplied
So, while the debate rages over “smiley face” bins, the Town of Victoria Park’s bold move highlights a growing trend: council initiatives, no matter how seemingly small, are increasingly playing a role in shaping a suburb’s reputation, liveability, and ultimately, its property market.
For homeowners and investors alike, keeping an eye on your local council’s waste management strategy might just be as important as checking the latest interest rates.
English (US) · 