Kerbside collection floated

THE prospect of introducing bulk kerbside waste collection in Toowoomba has again been raised in the council chambers, with some councillors expressing interest in the concept.

Crs Megan O’Hara Sullivan and Kerry Shine both raised the topic with water and waste general manager Damian

Platts at yesterday’s ordinary meeting.

Cr O’Hara Sullivan wanted to know if the idea of the TRC collecting large items from the side of the road was possible, to which Mr Platts acknowledged he wasn’t supportive of it.

“There have been calls over several years for us to consider that, but I don’t believe it’s particularly safe,” he said.

“We find people putting material out on the kerbside, which creates a trip hazard and un-managed material going out there.

“(There can be) asbestos, all sorts of other materials – it’s very expensive to actually pick that up.”

Cr Shine, who had floated the idea during his election campaign, said the concept was already being carried out in other parts of Queensland.

Mr Platts again emphasised he didn’t support bulk kerbside collection.

“It does operate in Brisbane and I’ve seen it operating in Brisbane and I’m personally not a fan of it,” he said.

“It becomes a very unmanageable situation – you’re not controlling what it is you’re collecting.

“I don’t think it’s particularly safe.”

Cr Bill Cahill said there were a number of safety issues attached to bulk kerbside collection that needed to be addressed.

THERE HAVE BEEN CALLS OVER SEVERAL YEARS FOR US TO CONSIDER THAT, BUT I DON’T BELIEVE IT’S PARTICULARLY SAFE.

DAMIAN PLATTS, TRC WATER AND WASTE GENERAL MANAGER

Should the council introduce bulk kerbside collection? Let us know at letters@thechronicle.com.au.