Residents across the Melton municipality could receive more annual waste collection vouchers, with the council set to explore the feasibility of an increase.
At the May 26 council meeting, councillor Bob Turner requested that council officers provide a briefing to councillors on the feasibility of increasing the number of yearly waste vouchers from two to four per household, considering all available information and regarding attempts and options practised by other councils.
“It’s another step we might be able to take to help us with the waste problems we’re having … it’s worth a try, we’ve got to try everything … to help the community get rid of their rubbish,” Cr Turner said.
“If we [are] putting out the helping hand, then it’s up to them to do their best to help us,” he said.
Cr Kathy Majdlik said that “the statistics are showing that less than a quarter of our residents are using either one or two vouchers”.
She said she hopes the briefing will provide insight into why this is, and that the council’s current waste education campaign will increase awareness of the vouchers.
“My thoughts on this … is unfortunately, I believe the people that are illegally dumping are the ones that even if you were to give them ten free vouchers … they’re not going to use it,” Cr Majdlik said
“In saying that, I agree with Cr Turner to … try to do everything we can to deter illegal dumping, which is becoming an eyesore not just for this city, but as we saw at MAV State Council, the whole of Victoria,” she said.
Cr John Verdon said he had heard from residents requesting more free tip passes per year, citing waste disposal cost concerns.
“The residents have come back and said once you run out of your free rubbish tipping ability – the two free tips – it’s actually cost-prohibitive for people that are on low incomes to actually do it, and they’ve … written to me directly,” Cr Verdon said.
Information about Melton residents’ waste collection entitlements are available on the council’s website.
Details: melton.vic.gov.au/Services/Waste-and-recycling/Hard-waste
