Geraldton Tidy Town Despite Still No Recycling Bin

In a surprising turn, Geraldton has been shortlisted for WA’s prestigious Tidy Towns Award — not due to increased cleanliness, but because locals have collectively stopped throwing shit away in an effort to save money.

Experts say the decision aligns with modern sustainability metrics, though many suspect it's just too expensive to go to the tip. “It’s not laziness,” said one council spokesperson, “it’s grassroots waste retention.”

Residents across Bluff Point, Rangeway, and Wonthella have been praised for their commitment to preservation, with one family reportedly converting three broken fridges into a walk-in pantry and a patio bar.

“I’ll sell that one day,” said Spalding resident Brenton, gesturing to a rusted treadmill, two busted lawnmowers and a slightly mouldy hydroponic setup. “Everything’s got a use if you wait long enough.”

Geraldton’s landfill avoidance efforts have also drawn ire from the council, who claim the sudden drop in tip revenue is unsustainable. In response, they’ve floated the idea of a monthly rates increase to cover the shortfall.

The Department of Maritime Luminescence has offered to support the initiative with “strategic telescope surveillance of verge-side buildup” and is encouraging residents to continue putting all of their rubbish in the same bin as Geraldton has no intentions of recycling. Ever.