Shire’s new waste policy

Changes to Berrigan Shire Council’s Waste Collection and Disposal Policy will mostly affect use of local waste disposal facilities by community groups.

In one alteration to the policy, access to tip sites out of working hours will be restricted to community groups.

In the other, it will be easier for local charity groups to dispose of unwanted items.

Berrigan Shire director of corporate services Matt Hansen said while council has previously allowed after hours access to tip sites for event organisers, health and safety laws have changed, thus restricting groups from accessing the tips after hours.

‘‘Sometimes groups such as the Berrigan or Finley Show organisers needed to use the tips or waste management facilities on a Sunday, and we would give them a key and they could dump,’’ Mr Hansen said.

‘‘Unfortunately workplace heath and safety doesn’t really allow us to do that any more, so we’re asking them to pre-arrange a time they can dump rubbish.

‘‘If it’s a community group or not-forprofit group, we’ll send someone to open the facility and supervise.’’

The policy relaxes restrictions on charity groups, particularly charity stores who are often targets of dumping.

Mr Hansen said on many occasions charity groups receive ‘donated’ old mattresses and other furniture that cannot be resold or repaired, and are being left with the cost of disposing of the items.

‘‘People who don’t want to pay for tipping leave these things as a ‘donation’, but these community groups are stuck with the ‘donated’ junk and have to pay to dump it.

‘‘These groups will have an allowance so they can dispose of the unwanted rubbish. It’s unfair for our local community groups who are working hard for their towns and people, when they are left with rubbish that should be going to the tip.’’