Kiama Residents Reassured Over Bin Collection Timeline
Kiama residents concerned about potential changes to their waste collection services have received reassurance from council leadership that any modifications will not be implemented hastily.
Council Chief Executive Officer Jane Stroud has moved to calm community worries following news that yellow-lid recycling bins might transition to fortnightly collections as part of a broader waste services review.
"Your bin collections remain exactly the same today as they were yesterday," Ms Stroud emphasised in a recent statement. "No service changes will occur until a full community consultation process is completed."
Phased Implementation Over Three Years
The council has outlined a careful timeline for any potential changes to waste management services. According to Ms Stroud, the implementation would occur in stages rather than as an immediate overhaul.
"We have allowed at least six months before any operational changes to collections, and up to three years for some of the more complex service adjustments," she explained.
The proposed changes come as Kiama Council conducts its first comprehensive waste services review in over a decade. The examination aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the municipality's waste management system.
Data-Driven Approach to Waste Management
Council data reveals that current waste collection practices may not be operating at optimal efficiency. Many yellow-lid recycling bins are reportedly not full when collected, while some households don't put their bins out for collection at all.
"If we're collecting too little or too much on a given route, it increases costs and reduces efficiency," Ms Stroud noted. "We need to make sure our routes and services reflect how Kiama has grown and changed. This is sensible, responsible planning."
The waste collection zone review, last conducted more than ten years ago, will be updated to better serve the evolving needs of the Kiama community.
Transparency in Waste Management Process
Ms Stroud addressed several common misconceptions about Kiama's waste processing, clarifying that all general waste collected by council garbage trucks is transported outside the Kiama local government area.
"The Minnamurra facility stopped receiving general waste in 2006, when the landfill cell was capped," she revealed. "Since then, it has only operated as a small transfer point for specific materials."
Waste is currently transported to Dunmore in the Shellharbour local government area, contrary to perceptions that Minnamurra still handles general waste.
The council CEO also explained that waste contracts are discussed in confidential council sessions due to competitive tender requirements. "Commercial pricing is always confidential - that is the law - and it cannot be included in public business papers," she stated.
Ms Stroud concluded by reinforcing the council's commitment to community involvement in the decision-making process. "We want to bring the community on the journey - to explain how, why and when changes will occur," she said, describing the review as part of the council's obligation to manage public funds responsibly and transparently.
