Council adopts updated waste services policy

Adopted at the May Ordinary Meeting, the Waste Services Policy is a brief document outlining provision of waste services by Council and the general responsibilities of occupiers and the public. 

The updated policy includes adjustment of Council's Waste and Recycling Service in line with the State Government's Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021, with the introduction of a kerbside Food Organics, Garden Organics collection service.  

"Council understands that the reduced frequency of waste bin collection associated with the new FOGO service might cause issues for households that generate unavoidable waste beyond the capacity of an 80 litre waste bin collected fortnightly," Alpine Shire Mayor, John Forsyth, said. 

"Residents may request a larger waste bin size at no extra cost if they meet eligibility requirements." 

Households can apply for a larger bin  if there are two or more children in daytime nappies living in the household, or one or more members of the household have a Medical Condition which generates excess waste.  

More information on how to apply for a larger general waste bin is available here. 

As well as bin upgrades for approved households, Cr Forsyth said the updated policy also outlines the new cost recovery model for waste services. 

"In previous years, some of the costs associated with waste services, such as public place waste and transfer station operations, were included in Council's kerbside bin services charge and paid for by those receiving a kerbside bin collection," Cr Forsyth said. 

"This new model, which is a clear and transparent way of charging for waste collection, is equitable, in line with the majority of Victorian councils and is considered best practice." 

The updated policy and relevant procedure provide more detailed information across all of Council’s waste management services, to ensure clarity and transparency, including kerbside collection service, as well as the Dinner Plain service, transfer stations and public place bins.  

Relevant elements of the Environmental Protection Act 2017 are also outlined regarding illegal dumping and operation of the Transfer Stations. 

The updated policy, and associated procedure, will come into effect from 1 July 2023 and can be found on Council's website here.