Bulk Waste Collection Service

Journalist’s Background: Residents have been complaining about bulk waste left on street verges, particularly in Ryrie Street, Como. They say it is an eyesore and a safety hazard.

Please attribute the following comments to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty:

Is unwanted household goods stockpiled to an unacceptable level in certain areas within the City? Does it create an eyesore and safety hazard?

The City is committed to keeping the local area free of litter and roadside waste.
In the lead up to the City’s bulk rubbish collection, the illegal dumping of rubbish increases. The next verge collection commences on 27 February 2012 and runs through to the beginning of April.

Residents are not permitted to place waste on the verge more than one week prior to the collection. Unwanted household goods placed on the verge prior to the specified time can create a potential safety hazard and impacts on the local amenity for residents.

Waste placed on the verge more than one week prior to the collection date is in breach of the City’s Local Law and Western Australia’s Litter Act 1979.

Where rubbish is placed on the verge early, the City may issue a notice to have the rubbish removed until the appropriate time for the area. Under the Litter Act 1979 and the Local Law, disposing of household or commercial waste can result in an infringement.

Does the City need to have more verge collections per year? Will the City review its bulk collection scheme?

The City operates two bulk collection schemes per year with a focus on separating the general waste and recycled goods. There is currently no plan to review the bulk collection scheme.

As part of the bulk collection, the City has initiated recycling all e-waste and a new tender will commence at the September 2012 collection to collect mattresses separately for recycling.

In addition to the bulk waste collection, the City encourages residents to use the City’s Waste Transfer Station where they can deliver their bulk and green waste on weekdays and weekends.

Will the City consider alternate schemes, such as making it cheaper for folk to cart their own rubbish to the local refuse station?

The City offers residents alternative solutions to dispose of household waste. Residents across the City receive three passes per year for the Collier Park Waste Transfer Station to allow for the disposal of bulk and green waste free of charge.

To prevent e-waste such as any broken, obsolete or unused electronic equipment including personal computers, going to landfill, the City provides a drop off facility at the Collier Park Waste Transfer Station where these items can be taken to be recycled separately to the bulk waste.