Bin audit passes on cost

TENTERFIELD Shire Council has carried out an audit of bin collection services to improve the council’s waste collection service.
The audit has identified more than 40 bins which had been put out for collection without the owner paying for the service, or where the owner paid for a 120 litre bin, but put out a 240 litre bin.
The cost of the unpaid or underpaid services is estimated to be as high as $10,000 per year.
“There are two important results from this audit,” Mayor Peter Petty said.
“The most important thing is that the great majority of the nearly 2000 bins collected every week are compliant and that most people are doing the right thing.
“It is also clear that Council are focusing on the costs of waste management and taking steps to ensure that everyone pays their fair share.”
Waste and Water manager Deanne Eaton also advised that the council was aware that some residents near corners present bins twice per week using the collection service on the north-south streets on Tuesday and on the east-west streets on Thursday.
“Not only will Council not be collecting these bins, we will be investigating what further steps can be taken where double dipping occurs,” Ms Eaton said.
Council only collects TSC stamped bins and will remove TSC bins where there are more bins presented than services paid.
Residents who have had bins removed who would like to retain their bin service should contact the council and arrange to pay the correct annual collection fee.
– Jonathon Howard