Free green waste drop off days help residents prepare for fire season

Published on 03 November 2023

To help the community prepare their properties for the upcoming fire season, Baw Baw Shire Council will offer residents the opportunity to dispose of up to 3 cubic metres of acceptable green waste – free of charge – at one of four transfer stations across the Shire throughout late November and early December.

“It’s only November but we’ve already seen bushfires in Baw Baw and further east in Gippsland,” says Mayor of Baw Baw Shire Cr Annemarie McCabe. “They are a timely reminder that it is that it is never too early to prepare your property for fire season.”

“Early in the summer season things can look green, but as the temperatures rise, fuel around your property can quickly dry and pose a fire risk. Our free green waste drop off days aim to make it easier for all residents to prepare their properties now, to treat potential hazards and reduce fire risk to themselves and the wider community.”

Free green waste drop offs are open to all Baw Baw Shire residents, whether they are the property owner or a tenant. As proof of residency, people are asked to bring a driver’s licence, plus a rates notice or utility bill showing their address.

Participating transfer stations and drop off dates/times: Trafalgar Transfer Station – 10am to 4pm Saturday 18 November 2023 Sunday 19 November 2023 Monday 20 November 2023 Erica Transfer Station - 12pm to 4pm Sunday 3 December 2023 Monday 4 December 2023 Lardner Transfer Station – 10am to 4pm Sunday 3 December 2023 Friday 8 December 2023 Saturday 9 December 2023 Sunday 10 December 2023 Neerim South Transfer Station - 10am to 4pm Sunday 3 December 2023  Friday 8 December 2023

Acceptable green waste includes tree debris, branches, foliage and general green waste. Maximum size limit for a large branch is 30cm round and 1m long. No large tree stumps will be accepted.

To cater for different trailer sizes, residents can either drop off 3 cubic metres at once or in smaller loads over multiple drop offs.

Green waste must be delivered in residential vehicles and trailers. Commercial vehicles will be charged at the the standard rate.

Resident are asked to please be patient. Whilst there will be additional infrastructure and staff on site during the drop off days, the transfer stations will be busier than usual.

Residents with residual waste or recyclables are encouraged to consider visiting the transfer stations on alternative days to avoid delays.

For more information about free green waste drop offs, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/GreenWaste.

For more information about how to get your property ready for bushfire season, including relevant exemption or permit requirements, visit www.bawbawshire.vic.gov.au/Bushfires or www.cfa.vic.gov.au/bushfireplan.