Shires try to clean out green waste

THE Surf Coast and Colac Otway shires are trying to get ahead of the coming fire season by offering extra services to help people clean up their properties.

Throughout November, Surf Coast Shire residents can dispose of up to three cubic metres of green waste per property for free at the Anglesea, Lorne and Winchelsea transfer stations.

Meanwhile, the Colac Otway Shire is offering weekly organics kerbside collections until December 1.

Garden clippings, tree prunings, grass and leaf litter are accepted at the Surf Coast transfer stations while agapanthus and noxious weeds in seed will be charged as general waste. Tree trunks will be charged the appropriate fee.

Cr Martin Duke encouraged people to use the free green waste service in the lead-up to fire season.

“Knowing that overhanging tree branches, shrubs and other under-storey fuels should be kept to a minimum near your house, consider doing a cleanup before the fire season,” he said.

“It can make a significant difference to the survival of your home in a bushfire.”

Transfer station attendants will assess each load and request identification – a rates notice, utility notice or driver’s licence – showing a Surf Coast Shire property address.

Colac Otway Shire acting chief executive officer Robert Dobrzynski said the organics collection was available for households already receiving kerbside collections, and was easy to take part in.

“From October 23, whenever you would normally put your red bin out, you can also put your green bin out. It’s that simple.

“We encourage the community to take advantage of the additional service by tidying up around their garden and preparing for the coming fire season.

“Simple activities like clearing and disposing of organic waste from around your property can have a significant impact in your fire preparedness, and it’s a great opportunity for a garden spring clean.”

For transfer station opening hours in the Surf Coast Shire, phone 5261 0600 or head to surfcoast.vic.gov.au/wastesites.