City of Swan residents will have access to more flexible bulk and green waste collections as of July 1.
Camera IconCity of Swan residents will have access to more flexible bulk and green waste collections as of July 1. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

City of Swan to offer two on-call verge collections per year

Sarah BrookesMidland Kalamunda Reporter

FROM July, 1 the City of Swan is changing the way it collects residents’ unwanted bulk and green waste to a year-round verge collection service so residents can access two on-call verge collections each financial year.

City chief executive Mike Foley said the new service would be far more cost effective than the current system.

“The total verge collection cost for 2016-17 was $2.8m which included disposal costs for general and green waste,” he said.

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“The new service will be far more cost effective for the City than the current service, as it will contribute to lower operational and disposal costs.

“With the current system, the City faces the need to invest in additional trucks and equipment; an additional capital investment which can now be avoided.

“The new system also allows for more materials and items to be more efficiently sorted and recycled.”

Mr Foley said the new system would also reduce unsightly piles of waste.

“With the existing system, large quantities of waste material can be left on verges for extended periods of time, which is unnecessary and can be unsightly,” he said.

“Residents can plan ahead and know exactly when they need to place large items out for collection, or prune their gardens, without needing to store or leave a pile of waste out the front of their property for an extended period of time.”

Mr Foley said the City initially investigated the use of skip bins, as used in the City of Kalamunda.

“While the use of skip bins can be advantageous in some circumstances, the City determined it was not the best option for our residents for a number of reasons,” he said.

“The logistics of managing a skip bin service throughout our City would be extremely difficult, especially in our numerous high density suburbs with small or no verges.

“The cost of a skip bin system is high, and would require substantial investment from the City.

“It can be difficult for many residents to load large items into skip bins – certainly more difficult than placing them out on the verge at a convenient date.

“The separation of material from skip bins for recycling is difficult, requires additional processing and can result in contamination. It is not as efficient as the system we will implement.”

Mayor David Lucas said the new process was simple.

“Just visit our website or call us to book your collection,” he said.

“Based on your address, you will be provided with a list of collection dates to choose from.

“Your waste will then be picked up promptly, at your convenience.

“Residents on rural properties will continue to be provided with tip passes in place of verge collections.”

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