MORE people are using a Notting Hill waste transfer and recycling station since Monash council took over management a year ago.

The council has implemented widespread changes at the station, with the objective being to recycle 40 per cent of material brought to the Ferntree Gully Road facility.

It also introduced user-friendly and efficient practices to minimise waste going to landfill.

The council’s asset services manager Robert Renshaw said changes to operation since the council assumed management had contributed to the higher user levels.

However, he said a wider community awareness was still needed.

“As we’ve just seen during Clean Up Australia Day, a lot of things are being dumped including the usual eyesores as well as things which are environmental risks. But many things can be recycled,” Mr Renshaw said.

“Residents should be aware that there is a cheap, efficient and environmentally friendly way to dispose of unwanted goods which for a variety of reasons can’t be put out in their weekly rubbish collection.”

The station accepts a variety of wastes, from general rubbish and green waste to bricks and soil.

“We’ve introduced measures such as electronic point of purchase to make payment easier for those visiting the station and improved the layout to make it clear where the various waste items have to be left,” Mr Renshaw said.

“We’re also trying to promote and expand the educational aspect so that those who come here can fully understand the benefits of recycling. We also inform them of how they can best prepare recyclables before dropping them off.”