The debate for a bulk waste collection in Maitland will continue this week with Cr Philip Penfold seeking support for a free service.
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Maitland City Council is considering the provision of a bulky waste collection service to support residents unable to use their tip vouchers but have a need for bulky waste disposal.
In a notice of motion to Tuesday night's council meeting, Cr Penfold will ask council to include scope for submission and consideration of service models under which the service is provided at no cost to the household. He will also suggest the proposal is funded in the 2019/20 operational plan and beyond.
In his motion Cr Penfold said: "The alternative approach to the above is to provide a bulk waste service where the household both surrenders a voucher and make a cash payment.
"It is thought that this cost may typically between $100-$200 dependent on the size and nature of the waste," Cr Penfold said. "Most households who can't transport their own waste, in my opinion, typically can't afford to pay this, leaving the free voucher of no use to them.
"As council moves forward with an expression of interest, I believe that council officers and prospective business operators need a clearer indication as to the nature of the service," he said.
The provision of bulky waste collection has been bandied about in the council chamber for many years and strongly advocated by Cr Henry Meskauskas.
Council is yet to determine how the program will be financed with the possibility of residents redeeming their free annual tip vouchers as one form of remuneration. A workshop was recently held to explore various issues including collection methods, sorting, recycling, resource recovery and cost.