Community votes NO on waste changes

MEDIA RELEASE: June 17, 2011

Warrnambool residents have voted overwhelmingly against the introduction of new waste services.

A total of 6225 people (48%) responded to a Council survey to determine if people supported the introduction of an organics collection, a hardwaste service or a bin cleaning service.

Mayor Jacinta Ermacora said the response to the survey was “sensational”.

“I would really like to thank all of the residents who took time to have their say” Cr Ermacora said.

“It is the best response we have ever had to a survey – it proves that the community feels very strongly about this issue.”

Results were as follows:

Organics Collection

Do you support the introduction of a weekly organics collection at an estimated additional cost of $100 per household per year?

The results are:

YES Organics Collection - 1344
NO Organics Collection - 4866
Total - 6209

(These figures do not exactly equate to the total number of replies received because not all respondents replied to all three questions)

78% of respondents voted ‘NO’ to the option of a weekly organics collection.

Hard Waste Collection

Do you support the introduction of an annual hard waste collection at an estimated additional cost of $20-$30 per household per year?

The results are:

YES Hard Waste Collection - 2157
NO Hard Waste Collection - 4057
Total - 6214

(These figures do not exactly equate to the total number of replies received because not all respondents replied to all three questions)

65% of respondents voted ‘NO’ to the option of a hard waste collection.

Bin Cleaning

Do you support the introduction of a monthly professional bin cleaning service for all households at an estimated additional cost of $72-$144 per household per year?

The results were:

YES Bin Cleaning Service - 192
NO Bin Cleaning Service - 5941
Total - 6133

(It is noted that these figures do not exactly equate to the total number of replies received because not all respondents replied to all three questions)

97% of respondents voted ‘NO’ to the option of a bin cleaning service.

A report will be presented to Monday night’s Council meeting where it will be recommended that no changes be introduced in Council’s new waste contract.

Council has recommended that:

1. That Council, in partnership with the Waste REDUCTION Group, commit to undertake a long term community education program based around the benefits of an organics collection.
2. That Council seek an ‘Expression of Interest’ concurrent with the kerbside collection contract tender process, for a commercial enterprise to undertake a hard waste collection for residents.
3. That no further action be taken in regard to bin cleaning.