Goulburn Mulwaree Council debates bulky waste collection

The council abandoned the kerbside bulky waste pick-up in 2018 in part due to work, health and safety issues. Councillors at the time also said it contributed to "unsightly" streets.

Instead, two free disposal weekends annually were introduced at all Goulburn Mulwaree waste management centres.

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But during their campaigns several successful council candidates called for its reinstatement. The council's utilities director Marina Hollands also said there had been 'several requests' for its reintroduction. It would especially cater for those unable to get to the tip.

However at Tuesday's meeting, councillors agreed to continue the two free disposal weekends in 2022/23 until the $8.4m 'Re-use Goulburn' centre was completed. The facility, currently under construction, will include a re-use hub, resource recovery shed, education centre, weighbridge and associated infrastructure.

Councillors also endorsed community consultation about the best bulky waste disposal option to "determine what the community was prepared to pay."

Mrs Hollands said the two free weekends cost $130,000 annually, excluding landfill expenses, was funded from domestic waste charges. Currently this was covered but if more bulky waste was brought in, domestic waste charges might have to increase.

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"So that is the question - what do people want and what can we afford to do," she said.

Mrs Hollands suggested several options, including a voucher system, which would require residents to pre-sort waste before bringing it to the centre. It could be used at any time and would avoid waste being left at the kerbside.

However with 11,500 domestic waste accounts, disposal could cost up to $575,000. It raised the question whether people wanted to pay more in waste charges to fund it, Mrs Hollands said.

Councillors were also told that reinstatement of the kerbside collection had benefits, such as convenience for residents and 'community recycling' as items awaited pick-up.

On the flipside, the council only had side and rear-loading compactor vehicles, which were not suited for the purpose. Moreover, staff were exposed to hazardous materials and work, health and safety risks due to the heavy lifting involved.

It comes at a time when the EPA is encouraging waste minimisation and re-use before recycling, recovery, treatment and disposal.

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"The reintroduction of a kerbside collection provides what could be considered a free and effortless bulky waste collection service that doesn't encourage waste minimisation and recycling," Mrs Hollands stated in her report.

The free weekends also enabled people to dispose of fridges, freezers, air-conditioners, tyres, mattresses and e-waste.

Cr Dan Strickland agreed with Mrs Hollands' recommendation to undertake community consultation on the best option after the re-use centre was completed.

"I think that's fair and reasonable," he said.

"It was a hot topic during the election campaign and (this allows people) to voice their opinion."

Cr Jason Shepherd, who campaigned for the pick-up's reinstatement, argued that people suffered a reduction in service when it was removed, especially those unable to access the tip on the free weekends.

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He did not agree that people should be asked "what they were willing to pay" and suggested rewording the question.

However Mayor Peter Walker replied that other options could arise as part of the consultation; the council could decide to absorb the cost or community organisations could come on board to assist those people unable to reach the tip. The possible purchase or hire of appropriate vehicles, or contracting out the service will also be considered.

A report will come back to councillors after the consultation is completed.

The re-use centre is expected to be finished in January, 2023.

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