The Bundaberg Regional Council has resolved to introduce new waste and recycling collection routes from May 1, 2016, in a move that will ensure the most efficient use of trucks and labour.
A review of Council’s waste and recycling services by a local truck repair shop found that existing collection routes require trucks to visit numerous locations scattered across the region as part of their scheduled service each collection day.
Spokesperson for Council’s Waste and Recycling Portfolio, Cr Vince Habermann said the changes would ensure a more streamlined approach to collection, with all trucks to be given a contained area in which to operate on dedicated days.
“The new collection routes cluster, so that all trucks, with the exception of Childers and Gin Gin, are doing the same area on the same day,” Cr Habermann said.
“Collection routes haven’t been changed since council amalgamations in 2008 so our services were well and truly in need of review. It’s expected that the new system will improve efficiencies by five per cent. This equates to savings in the order of $245,000 each year and will eliminate the need for additional waste trucks and staff into the foreseeable future.”
“Currently, the waste collection fleet includes 15 waste transport vehicles. The new program aims to utilise 14 trucks to cover all waste and recycling runs, allowing the 15th as a spare to allow for breakdowns and mechanical failure.
“The new days for collection will mainly affect Bundaberg and the immediate surrounds and will result in new collection days for 60 per cent of customers.”
Detailed information explaining the changes to collection days will be disseminated in early 2016 to give residents months of notice before changes are implemented on 1 May.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
Media Officer, Megan Dean Ph: 0409 392 236
Senior Media Officer, Wayne Heidrich Ph: 0438 638 407
Media and Marketing Manager, Megan Magill Ph: 0439 402 715
Email: communications@bundaberg.qld.gov.au