Hindmarsh Shire Waste Management Collection and Costs Explained
Published on 09 August 2024
As the amount that we consume, and therefore the waste that we generate, grows, Council is dedicated to delivering a cost-effective and sustainable waste management service to ensure the health and wellbeing of our community and environment. As well as operating transfer stations and delivering kerbside collection, we deliver waste-education programs, collect litter and investigate illegal rubbish dumping.
In delivering these services, there are several things that we need to consider:
Cost
In the 23/24 financial year, the cost of collection, transportation and disposal of waste and recycling was over $1 million. This includes $700,000 for 1,752 tonnes of waste from kerbside collection and transfer stations, and $340,000 for 251 net tonnes of co-mingled recycling, glass, e-waste, cardboard skips and mattresses.
Additionally, Council is charged a ‘waste levy’ by the State Government as an incentive to reduce the amount of waste deposited at landfill sites. It currently costs Council $132.76 per tonne to deposit waste at the Dooen Landfill site.
Some of these costs are covered through cost recovery. Hindmarsh Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Monica Revell said, “we understand the significant cost-of-living pressures our community is facing. For 2024/2025 we have limited the increase to transfer station and kerbside collection fees, ensuring it’s achievable for our community but still supporting the delivery of this essential service.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Brett Ireland said, “A large bucket of money is required to maintain waste management services, and Council is not permitted to make a profit from the operation of transfer stations.”
Mayor Ireland added “To assist residents, a voucher system is available to Hindmarsh residents who deposit waste at Hindmarsh Transfer Stations. When visiting the transfer station make sure you ask for a receipt. Once four receipts are collected, residents can visit any of our Customer Service Centre’s, to receive a voucher for 25% of the total spend. This will assist residents in meeting the costs of appropriate disposal. Last financial year vouchers to the value of $6,993.08 were handed out to residents, so make sure you get on board.”
Community & Environmental Wellbeing
If waste is not managed well, the impacts on the health of people and the environment can be severe. For example:
- Rubbish lying around the home and on the street can cause physical injury to people and attract vermin and mosquitoes.
- Food waste can attract pests which can spread diseases including skin infections, tetanus, hepatitis A, Ross River virus and hook and threadworms.
- Without proper disposal, pesticides, motor oil and other chemicals can end up contaminating the community’s water supply.
- Discarded waste can kill wildlife if ingested, accumulate other chemical pollutants and negatively impact soils.
The way that Council manages waste is strictly monitored by the Environmental Protection Authority. Council is committed to delivering a waste service that protects the health of our community and environment.
What can you do?
The less waste that you produce, the less the cost will be to your household, your community, Council, and the environment. By shopping sustainably, minimising single use items, and the amount of food you waste, you are contributing to Victoria's sustainable future.
You can find great tips for minimising waste by visiting Sustainability Victoria at www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/at-home/avoid-waste. You can also access information on how your recycling and glass bins work and ensuring your items are sorted correctly by contacting Council.
For more information, please contact Mick Henderson, Manager Assets and Facilities on 03 5391 4444, 0401 744 988 or email mhenderson@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer