PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council’s decision to move to a fortnightly red bin collection instead of weekly and drop bulky kerbside collections has been the cause of considerable debate over the past few weeks.
This is despite the fact that when red bin collection moves to every other week residents will be given a larger red bin. Here the mayor, deputy mayor and some other councillors elaborate on why they voted unanimously for the move, which will come into effect in September.
Mayor Peter Besseling
“The new waste contract will encourage residents to help recycle organic waste, rather than have it simply go into landfill. Current practices have broad cost implications for all ratepayers through increased rates, environmental waste levies, lost grant opportunities and the lifespan of our landfill. The appropriate disposal of organic waste will provide better value for money to our community for our waste services and a better environmental outcome, through a simple change to the way we use our red and green bins. The current bulky kerbside collection encourages illegal dumping, which has increased significantly in recent years as a result of the current approach to the service.”
Deputy mayor Adam Roberts
“The decision about the red bins was just one element of a package of much broader decision. I based my decision on the information contained in the full council report. I don’t think this is a closed discussion. Council have not determined pricing or any type of incentive scheme yet or even an education program. I see the initial decisions as in-principal decisions and still a lot of conversations to be had on these subjects. If people have a specific issue, by all means they should put it forward. However, I would encourage concerned community members to look at the full report, which is on the council website.
“As far as dropping bulky kerbside collections, we do live in a tourist town and it would be a great idea to limit the amount of illegal dumping on the kerbside. The report also covers why it is best practice to take that decision as well. If people do have any specific concerns, council has always been interested in listening to cases of hardship and accommodating for those where possible.”
Cr Trevor Sargaent
“The new waste service indicates that we will be able to provide an equal or even better than that which is currently provided, it also means we can do the right thing by reducing landfill through a significant education program encouraging residents to think more carefully about their rubbish disposal which has become one of the area’s most intractable problems.
“In doing all this, if we can also save money in a council budget that is groaning under the weight of public expectation, then this has to be a good thing and that is why I enthusiastically supported the motion. My only concern at this stage is rubbish dumped in the bush and in parks and there will be more discussions about this.”
Cr Sharon Griffiths
“The approval at the recent council meeting for the new waste contract arrangements was positive for the weekly bin pick up to be an option. The fee structure has not been set and council in considering the fee structure will consider all the potential options. The household drop to waste centres will provide more opportunity to drop for free by the provision of tickets to use at these waste drop-off centres. Hopefully with the ticketing system it will reduce illegal waste dumping.
If residents put all organic and dry recycling in the correct bin (i.e. green and yellow bins), the positive benefits can assist in holding fees down, reducing state levies payable where waste does not go to landfill and reducing the volume of waste to landfill extending the life of the waste facility before further capital expenditure is required to build another facility, which is built into the fee structure.”
