By DANE LILLINGSTONE
Southern Downs Regional Council has put an end to any ideas of changing its bin collection system with a contract in place until 2018.
Concerns have been raised over the merits of collecting rubbish bins weekly and recycle bins fortnightly and whether this could be done less frequently to save ratepayer money.
Southern Downs Regional Council’s Director Planning and Environment Ken Harris said there were no plans to change rubbish collection arrangements.
“Southern Downs Regional Council has a contract in place for the waste collection within the region until 2018. This contract is currently with JJ Richards,” Mr Harris said.
“The frequency of the waste and recycling collection services is set as part of this contract.
“As part of the process of calling tenders for a new collection contract, council will review the existing waste collection services, including the frequency of collections.”
Readers have argued on the Southern Free Times letters page that weekly garbage bin collection could be changed to save council money.
Donna Nevin called for a change in a letter published on 27 August “halve the bin pick up and save $6 million”.
However not everyone agreed as Chris Leamy pointed out on 3 September letters “a family or a share house may well fill the bin quite easily”.
Andi Turner said on 15 October that people could be doing their own part to reduce misusing bins.
“The biggest cost to most vehicles when running them is fuel and most fuel is used when stopping and accelerating.
“There is no requirement to put it out every collection day just because the truck is going past,” the letter said.
Mr Harris said any council review in future would have to address every household equally.
“The review will need to balance the requirements of different households, as well as public health and environmental issues resulting from waste generation and removal,” Mr Harris said.
However any change would be unlikely given the council is two years into a 10 year plan.
“Council has in place the Waste Reduction and Recycling Plan 2014-2024, which is a strategic document for waste management in the region for the next 10 years.
“This is currently being reviewed to identify potential efficiencies in the plan,” Mr Harris said.
