Environment
Water
Water conservation is a priority for all Victorians and visitors.
Victoria frequently suffers from drought and water storage dams maybe low.
You can help save water when you:
- take a shower, instead of a bath
- shower for three minutes maximum
- turn off taps while you brush your teeth, turn on tap to rinse
- use the washing machine only when you have a full load
Save water to save money on water bills.
Bushfires
Australia's forests can be naturally prone to seasonal bushfire or wild fire. Much of Victoria's forest and bushland is contained in National Parks.
Students travelling to high fire risk areas like National Parks need to exercise caution during the bushfire season.
Be aware of weather conditions and fire warnings that are issued before fire danger days. These are issued on nightly TV news broadcasts, on newspaper websites, and on the radio.
ABC Local Radio is Victoria’s official emergency services broadcaster. Tune your car radio to ABC Local radio as you travel through the country. Other local radio stations may also provide weather and fire updates. Visit the CFA website for an explanation of Fire Danger Ratings.
Check weather forecasts and plan for your own safety. Summer weather forecasts give information about 'Total Fire Ban days'. 'Total Fire Ban days' ban activity like lighting barbecues and campfires, and using equipment that may cause sparks.
For bushfire updates:
- Visit the CFA website www.cfa.vic.gov.au for information in 18 languages
- Ring the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on Ph 1800 240 667
In an emergency phone 000.
Stop off at a National Parks office near your campsite or walking track for:
- weather updates
- walking maps
- bushfire or controlled burn advice
Waste and recycling
Rubbish which you drop on the street eventually ends up in our creeks, rivers and oceans. Cigarette butts, plastic bottles and wraps, drink cans and plastic bags can harm, choke and even kill wildlife. Always put them in the bin.
Most suburbs have weekly rubbish collection, as well as recycling collections. Contact your local council for recycling, hard rubbish and garden waste collection times.
Recycling bins
The lid of a recycling bin is usually yellow. Aluminium and steel cans, fruit juice, milk cartons and bottles (remove the tops), glass bottles and jars, paper, cardboard and plastic bottles. Your council can give you a complete list.
If you live in a multi-level apartment building you will have a separate skip, dumpster or bin for paper and cardboard.
Hard waste collection
Hard waste includes broken washing machines, old furniture and unwanted mattresses. Some councils have set days for hard waste collection, others allow you to book a pick-up. Contact your local council for more information.
Chemical waste
Batteries and chemicals (pharmaceuticals, paints, poisons, motor fluids, etc) don’t belong in your rubbish bin. Sustainability Victoria runs free household chemical collection days. Phone 1800 353 233 (free call) for information.
