City of Bunbury rolls out tactile bin lids for vision-impaired residents in WA first

The City of Bunbury has become WA’s first local government to make bin lids with tactile shapes on their lids available for people who are vision-impaired. The innovation has come about through a collaboration between the city and VisAbility WA, with each bin having a different shape to help identify it. The red general waste bin has a square on it, while the yellow recycling bin has a triangle, and the green FOGO bin has a circle. In addition to the shapes, the lids will have a star sticker on them to alert bin collection services to make sure the bins are left in exactly the same spot they are picked up from so they are easy to find. The star stickers is also available for regular bins for anyone who needs them. City of Bunbury waste education project officer Jo Walker said the bins would make the service more accessible. “Almost half a million Australians live with low vision and a vision impairment,” she said. “Bins can impair their ability to sort their waste correctly as a resident simply can’t tell the difference between the bins, and in many instances just have to guess.” Ms Walker encouraged residents who may need the bins or people who knew someone who could benefit from them to get in touch with the city. “If you feel that it would benefit yourself or someone you know, feel free to pass on their details and get in touch, and if anyone has any ideas on how to make waste education more accessible, feel free to let us know,” she said. To get a free replacement lid, contact info@bunbury.wa.gov.au or phone 9792 7333.