Lifting lid on reaction to green waste bins

Eglinton was one of the first areas to be targeted by Bathurst Regional Council when the rollout began last Monday. 

Tracy Lynch, who lives in the area, said the arrival of the green bin was a much-anticipated moment for her family of four. 

The household’s recycling bin is on the verge of overflowing each fortnight and the general waste bin is not much better.

Ms Lynch believes the third bin will be a much better way to distribute and remove all forms of waste from her home.

“You can put your cardboard in it, and tissues and paper towels,” she said of the green bin.

“It makes it easier with the grass clippings from the lawn and the pruning, and you don’t need to go to the tip as much.”

One of the things causing concern for some residents is the added cost, but Ms Lynch believes that the fee is reasonable and as long as you actually receive the bin at your property, you should be paying for it. 

Llanarth resident Peter Bowker was also thrilled to finally have a bin specifically for garden waste.

“I will definitely be using it; it will be great for grass clippings and it will save extra trips to the tip,” he said.

There have been calls for council to allow residents who don’t require a green waste bin to opt out of the service.

Dianne Erikson said on Facebook her household already had its own green waste management system, making the additional bin a wasted service.

“We live in the middle of town and compost 99 per cent of our green waste and have a worm farm for vegetable/fruit scraps ... Would be great if you could opt out,” she said. 

Liz Simmons echoed her comment.

“Not everyone needs this bin as people turn their waste into compost or food scraps for animals. These bins should 100 per cent be optional and not be forced onto households that will have no use for them,” she said on Facebook. 

The green bins will continue to be rolled out across Bathurst until March 24.

The new contracted collection services will start on Monday, April 4.