Latrobe City mayor, Bruce Lougheed said the new-look guide would provide residents with all the information they needed on council's garbage, recycling and green waste collection services and other waste-related programs.

``We have come a long way since the three bin system was introduced in 2004 with Latrobe City now among the top recyclers in the state,'' Cr Lougheed said.

``Council has been set a big challenge by the State Government's `Towards Zero Waste Strategy' to divert 65 per cent of waste from landfill by 2013 and we are working hard to achieve this.

``By becoming better recyclers, we not only reduce the waste being sent to landfill, but also help the environment by cutting greenhouse gas emissions, conserving water and saving energy and resources.''

Latrobe City waste education officer, Peter Collins said the 20 page guide had been extensively redesigned this year, with different booklets for `A' and `B' collection areas.

A magnetic strip on the back allows the guide to be placed on the fridge or other metallic surface.

``The comprehensive new guide features an easy-to-find index, with collection dates from September 2008 through to July 2011,'' Mr Collins said.

``Council's free green waste collection dates are listed, as well as information on the interim hard waste collection service, a new permanent `Detox Your Home' facility to open at the Morwell Transfer Station in late September, the drumMuster and ChemClear programs and the `Asbestos in the Home Removal Kit'.''

The guide also includes information on how to avoid contamination of your recycling and green waste bins, as well as how and when to place your bins at the kerbside.

Mr Collins said there was an explanation of the recycling and green waste recovery process which school students and teachers would find useful, and an A-Z guide of more than 200 household items and what to do with them.

Residents who have not received their new guide by Friday 5 September can obtain one at any of Latrobe's service centres, or phone council on 1300367700 or Cleanaway on 1800007543.

The guide is also available in a large print version for vision impaired residents.