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Rubbish deposited in fruit fly bins

Posted on January 13, 2009, 10:10am and updated on January 13, 2009 at 8:02 pm

A growing amount of rubbish and fruit is being left on the roadside at the regions fruit fly bins, causing concern over the environmental risk it creates.

Most recently, the bin located on the Princes Highway east of Mount Gambier was surrounded by rubbish after a large box jammed the throat of the bin.

This led to many travellers leaving their rubbish and fruit scattered around the bin, under the impression the bin was full.

The rubbish left on the ground posed a threat to curious wildlife, which potentially could have become entangled or consumed the litter, possibly resulting in harm.

As well as being a genuine threat to the environment, the rubbish created an eyesore for travellers from interstate, who passed by the bins, which is on the main road to Melbourne.

Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA), who operate and service the bins, confirmed receiving a call regarding the mess, and sent a worker out on Monday to clean the mess and unblock the bin.

Although small in appearance, the bin’s capacity extends underground, with a tank installed capable of holding several tonnes of discarded rubbish and fruit, with the bins being emptied before they’re filled.

The bins, situated on the on the Nelson, Princes and Glenelg Highways, are primarily used for the dumping of fruit to avoid the spread of fruit fly.

However, the refusal of other organisations to install dedicated rubbish bins has led to PIRSA allowing rubbish.

PIRSA Plant Health Manager of Early Detection and Response David Heaven, said that although they would prefer only fruit went in the bins, the bins can be used for rubbish to help keep the area clean.

Mr Heaven said the bins were being utilised well by the public, with the level of waste being monitored monthly from both Adelaide and locally.

In addition to the bins, PIRSA also operate several random road blocks each year, with fruit fly threatening South Australia’s horticultural industry worth an estimated $480m annually.

BRETT KENNEDY

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