Waste facility closure FAQ

Published on 07 April 2020

 Why has Council decided to close the waste facility (tip) to the general public?

The Government has made it clear on numerous occasions that residents are not to leave their homes unless the trip is absolutely essential.

On the 30 March 2020 the NSW Government issued a Health Order that prohibits people from leaving their home except for:

(a) obtaining food or other goods and services, or 

(b) travelling for the purposes of work or education if it is not possible to do it at home, or 

(c) exercise, or 

(d) medical care

Taking a trip to the tip is not listed as an acceptable reason to leave the home. Therefore, in line with the Government’s direction, we have restricted access to our waste facilities to commercial vehicles only. This decision has been taken to protect the health of customers, our staff, and the community.

Have other Councils closed their tip?

Yes. We are just one of over 20 Councils across the State that have taken this course of action. 

Who can use the Waste Facility now?

The facilities will be open to ‘essential waste vehicles’ which include:

•          Council's waste collection trucks

•          Council vehicles

•          commercial waste contractors

•          waste from businesses

•          those who need to deposit dead animals or other animal waste.

What am I supposed to do with excess waste now?

•          Avoid creating waste where it is not essential.

•          Maximise the use of your existing bins, 

•          Engage a commercial provider (e.g. garden waste contractor, handyman service provider, skip bin provider) to collect the waste from your property.

•          Order additional waste or recycling bins from Council.

•          Store hard waste for later disposal in a manner that does not attract vermin.

Can I give my vouchers to the commercial operator to use on my behalf?

Yes. You can use your voucher to cover the dumping fee of waste removed by a commercial contractor. 

Are kerbside bin pick-ups still happening as per usual?

Yes. Council’s kerbside clean-up schedule will continue as per the normal schedule.

Will Council place skip bins around the city for people to use?

No. Taking a trip to a skip bin would also not be an acceptable reason to leave the house.

Can Council bring in hard waste pick ups from the kerb?

No. Council does not have the resources to implement a new waste collection service at this time. 

This is not fair! I don't like Council's decision.

We understand that some people may be frustrated by these measures, this is a very difficult time for everyone in our community. However Council has a responsibility to encourage people to stay home unless it is absolutely essential that they venture out. We want things to get back to normal as soon as possible, just like everybody else.