ONE FREE HARD WASTE DISPOSAL FOR RESIDENTS
From the 1st July 2022, residential properties in the Copper Coast will be entitled to one free delivery (up to 175 kgs) of hard waste to the Copper Coast Council Resource Recovery Centre each financial year.
This is in addition to the existing two free deliveries of green waste (up to 175 kgs).
Residents will be required to present a current rate notice or rental statement and driver's licence to the RRC staff to dispose of the materials at no charge.
The motion put forward by Councillor Brent Walker to introduce the free hard waste disposal was carried at last Wednesday night’s Council Meeting and Mayor Roslyn Talbot is pleased with the outcome.
“Councillor Walker first brought the question about hard waste to Council at the November 2021 Council meeting following numerous counts of illegal dumping and calls for its introduction by the community,” Mayor Talbot said.
“Council’s Waste Management staff reviewed the implementation of hard waste disposal at multiple other Council areas, including the methods, uptake and cost to Council and each resident.
“By choosing the introduction of an additional disposal instead of a dedicated hard waste day or a pickup service, it eliminates the need to hire additional staff at the Resource Recovery Centre.
“The total cost of illegal dumping for this financial year has been estimated at about $33,500, which is more than the estimated cost to implement this new voucher.
“While this new initiative may not eliminate illegal dumping completely, it’s a good deterrent.
“It’s our job as Elected Members to be the voice of our community and I’m glad Council was able to find a way to introduce such service in the most cost-effective way without cutting any of our existing services.”
In another change to further utilise the new weigh-in, weigh-out system at the Resource Recovery Centre, each disposal can be claimed for a delivery of up to 175kg instead of the old system of a 6 x 4 trailer load.
“This change makes it easier for those who may not have access to a trailer and creates a fair system in which every resident is entitled to the same weight delivery,” Mayor Talbot said.