City to trial booked hard waste collection

THE City of Greater Geelong has authorised the implementation of a booked at-call hard waste service starting in April, subject to approval of funding in the final 2018-19 budget.

Further details of the proposed service, which was included as part of the draft budget, were discussed at last week’s council meeting

Having examined several options, the city has determined that a booked service would best meet the community’s needs, offering greater flexibility than a ‘blanket’ service with set collection dates.

This is in line with the majority of models being delivered by other councils around Victoria.

If adopted by the council as part of the final budget on June 26, residents would be entitled to one booked hard waste collection per year, with bookings made online or via phone.

Residents would have the option of having their waste collected from within their property boundary or from the kerbside.

It is expected the service would also keep streetscapes looking cleaner, reduce the risk of theft and dumping, and allow greater opportunity for recycling.

The council has set aside $750,000 for the initiative in 2018-19, with residents to be charged $6.80 per tenement on top of the existing Recycling and Waste Service Charge.

A further $3 million would be allocated in the 2019-20 budget.

It’s proposed the service would be managed by a full-time City employee and delivered by a third party provider.

Following a 12-month trial period, it would be evaluated early in 2020.

The hard waste service would operate in conjunction with the city’s existing waste and resource recovery disposal programs.

“Hard waste is an initiative our community told us they really want, and we’re pleased to be putting it on the table,” Geelong mayor Bruce Harwood said.

“Success will now depend on community take-up and compliance with guidelines, so once the service becomes available next April, we encourage everyone to understand the conditions to maximise the value for all.”