Bankstown’s ability to think outside the square when it comes to waste recycling has received national recognition.

Mayor of Bankstown, Councillor Khal Asfour, said the city’s Recycle Right program has taken out first prize at the 2012 Local Government Innovation Awards in the waste category.

“This award recognises council’s program as the best innovative waste management project in local government in Australia,” Mayor Asfour said.

“We have now won three major awards for the Recycle Right program over the past 12 months, having earlier taken out the Community Education and Empowerment Award and the Best Government Community Engagement Award.”

The Recycle Right program resulted from a household waste audit, extensive community consultation and a very successful trial period.

Mayor Asfour said that after nearly three years of research, development, trialling, consulting and evaluation, council is now ready to launch the program across the city.

“From next month, all households will be provided with feedback on how well they are recycling,” Mayor Asfour said.

“Residents will receive a special card in their mail indicating whether they have been assessed as doing a great job or need to do more.

“I congratulate Council’s Resource Recovery Team on leading the way in waste education, and I look forward to seeing many more great things come out of this particular pioneering program.”

For more information on council's waste and recycling programs go to www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au or call (02) 9707 9999.