Change to waste services in response to COVID-19

Eurobodalla Council’s Surfbeach and Brou tips will close to the public from this Sunday in response to COVID-19. The move comes to ensure essential waste management services can continue for the community, including bushfire clean-up.

Kerbside collection for general waste, green waste and recycling will continue as normal, and Council’s third waste management facility in Moruya will re-open with extended hours from Monday 6 April for domestic waste and recycling.

Surf Beach and Brou remain open for contractors and builders to dump waste from essentials like bushfire clean-up, construction and demolition, medical and hospital services, and commercial and retail.

General Manager Dr Catherine Dale says these strategies will maintain critical waste services while limiting the number of people coming to the tips who require contact with staff.

“Contractors and builders have accounts with us and don’t need contact with our staff at Surf Beach or Brou. The loads are weighed and they move on, so the COVID-19 risk is reduced,” she said.

“We’re racing to get Moruya waste transfer station back online after it was badly damaged in the fires. It will open seven days per week from Monday 6 April for domestic waste and particularly so people not on the kerbside collection can drop off their waste and recycling. All transactions will need to be via EFTPOS, no cash.

“We acknowledge this change to tip arrangements might be less convenient for some residents. However, it’s an essential change to protect our staff and the community from the coronavirus risk while maintaining the critical waste management services we all need.”

Dr Dale encouraged residents on the kerbside collection to use their bins to their best advantage during this challenging time.

“It might be tempting while you’re staying home to have a big clean out, and if that’s the case, please use your bins to gradually remove your waste and recyclables, rather than do one big trip to the waste transfer station,” she said.

“It’s likely the annual hard waste collection won’t proceed as usual this year. It normally starts in July and while our planning continues, whether it goes ahead will depend on health advice from the government closer to that time.

“Bushfire recovery is still our focus and we know waste removal is critical for impacted residents. These strategies will allow that to continue while still ensuring the whole community retains access to essential waste management services.”

Surf Beach and Brou tips will close to the public until further notice from 3.45pm on Sunday 29 March. Visit Council’s website for waste and recycling information or call the customer service team during business hours on 4474 1000.