The upgrade to the Parkes Waste Facility is nearing completion with a new waste management system to be introduced.
The new system will include the implementation of waste disposal charges for domestic waste loads starting 1st August ranging from $3 to $34.
Chair of the Waste Facilities Committee, Councillor Alan Ward said: “With more waste than ever being produced, Council recognised the need to upgrade the site to deliver positive public health, and environmental and economic outcomes for our community”.
The upgrade includes an undercover drop-off area with well sign-posted directions and bitumen sealed roads, as well as a new custom built gatehouse and weigh-bridge.
“Staff will be available on site to provide face-to-face advice on how to best sort and dispose of materials in order to minimise waste charges,” Alan said. There will be no charge for recyclable items.
Steven Campbell, Parkes Council’s Di- rector Planning & Environment said research had shown that charges did not increase illegal dumping. He added though that the public should report any dumping to Council.
“We will investigate to find evidence, clean up and take measures to prevent any further dumping in that area. It is an issue that needs to be addressed quickly.”
He said Council worked with the Environment Protection Authority’s Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) squads.
The aim of the new system is to reduce the amount of waste that ends up in land- fill and improve the waste diversion rate by reducing, reusing and recycling more efficiently and sustainably that will extend the life of the facility.
Steven said the more waste that could be diverted and recycled, the better were the chances Council would not have to resort to introducing a levy on waste as metropolitan and coastal councils have started doing.
Download the Waste Disposal Guide from www.parkes.nsw.gov.au