City adds to waste management capacity

THE City of Mount Gambier has strengthened its waste collection services with two brand new side loader compactors hitting the road today, a $1.1 million investment that improves reliability while supporting key waste education messages around food organics (FOGO), garden organics and safe battery disposal.

The new vehicles, built on IVECO Acco Euro 6 dual control cab chassis and fitted with Superior Pak compactors will rotate across collection routes to enhance service delivery, improve fleet resilience and support the city’s continued growth.

The investment increases Council’s waste fleet to six vehicles, up from five, providing additional coverage during peak demand and maintenance periods.

City of Mount Gambier Acting City Infrastructure General Manager Jeremy Martin said the new additions would help future-proof waste services for a growing community.

“The addition of two new side loaders strengthens our ability to deliver consistent and reliable waste collection services across Mount Gambier,” Mr Martin said.

“We have seen ongoing growth and increased demand across the city, and this investment ensures we have the capacity and flexibility to meet our community’s needs, now and into the future.”

The trucks meet the latest Euro 6 emissions standards, offering improved environmental performance alongside quieter operation and enhanced driver comfort.

“The new vehicles not only improve reliability, they also deliver environmental benefits through lower emissions and more efficient performance.”

As part of the rollout, Council is reinforcing important waste and recycling messages for residents, particularly around correct use of the FOGO service and the safe disposal of batteries.

“We’re encouraging residents to make the most of their food organics and garden organics bins and to dispose of hazardous items, such as batteries, through the correct channels.”

“Keeping batteries out of household bins is critical for safety, as they can cause fires in collection vehicles and waste facilities,” Mr Martin said.

The vehicles were procured locally through Mount Gambier ISUZU and IVECO, highlighting Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses.

The existing waste collection fleet will transition through a planned replacement program, with older vehicles to be retired as the new assets are fully integrated.