You can dump your trailer load for free in October. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Griffith residents will be able to dump household rubbish for free in October, while the local council seeks feedback on new tip fees for commercial operators.
Council has proposed a $229.90-a-tonne charge for eligible waste contractors, down from the $276 rate introduced in July.
The fee follows a heated dispute over a recent 32 per cent increase, which took the commercial mixed-waste charge from $209 to $276 a tonne.
Council argued the extra revenue was needed to fund the long-term costs of landfill expansion and rehabilitation, but councillor Scott Groat called the increase a “rubbish decision” and moved to reduce it, arguing the jump would put pressure on local businesses and lead to more illegal dumping.
Following the backlash, councillors voted to cut the increase to 10 per cent. The proposed new fee category is now on public exhibition, with residents and businesses able to make submissions until 4 pm on Friday 25 September.
The new category only applies to eligible commercial waste contractors and will not affect charges for the general public using the council’s landfill facilities.
Most household and general mixed waste is charged per trailer load rather than per tonne, with those fees remaining unchanged at up to $44 a load.
Brian and Riley Irvin fought against the original tip fee hike. Photo: Oliver Jacques.
Those household fees will, however, be waived throughout October as the council brings back its Dump for Free Month, giving residents a chance to clean out their homes, sheds and yards at no cost.
From Thursday 1 October to Saturday 31 October, households will be able to dispose of general domestic waste free of charge at the Griffith and Yenda waste facilities.
Each household can dispose of up to two standard loads during October, with a maximum of four car tyres per load.
The Tharbogang Waste Management Centre will be open daily from 8 am to 5 pm, while Yenda will open from 8 am to 5 pm every Sunday.
Commercial or agricultural tyres and hazardous materials, including asbestos, will not be accepted.
Council’s Community Recycling Centre at Tharbogang will continue to accept household problem waste including paint, gas bottles, oils, batteries and fire extinguishers.
Mayor Doug Curran urged people to take advantage of the free month.
“Dump for Free Month gives residents the opportunity to clear out unwanted household waste without the added cost, while helping keep our neighbourhoods clean and attractive,” Cr Curran said.
