Bookings for the ACT Government’s free bulky waste collection service opened on Wednesday (1 July), with the initiative set to roll out in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin from 15 July.
The annual service will offer one free collection to each household per year, for up to two cubic metres of waste.
It had been anticipated that 60% of eligible residents would book the service in the first rollout for each region.
ACT Recycling and Waste Minister, Chris Steele, said the limit of up to two cubic metres was in line with other jurisdictions that hold similar programs across Australia.
“One collection per year of up to two cubic metres will support households to get rid of a trailer load of goods,” he said.
“When residents book a collection and list the items to be picked up, the booking system includes a calculator to help add up the two-cubic-metre space.
“The ACT Government will monitor the rollout of the scheme to better understand the types and volume of items being collected.”
The program will roll out under waste and water contractor, Suez, and is set to create 14 jobs.
The program will continue its rollout to Belconnen, Molonglo and Hall in 2021-22, Woden Valley and Weston Creek in 2022-23 and the Inner North and Inner South during 2023-24.
Mr Steele said residents with excess waste were encouraged to recycle or dispose of it themselves.
“If residents have more than two cubic metres to be collected, items can be taken to the Resource Management Centres in Mitchell and Hume,” he said.
“Recyclopaedia is also a great resource for advice on the best way to recycle or dispose of specific items.
“If the items are still in good condition and usable, they may be able to be dropped off at charity organisation such as Vinnies, the Salvos or The Green Shed.”
The contractor has the capacity to accommodate up to 150 collections per day.
Appropriate items for the program include furniture and household appliances, timber, whitegoods and building materials.
Sheet glass, mirrors, household chemicals, gas bottles and fire extinguishers will not be accepted.
Items must be left outside and within your property boundary for pick up, and bookings for the service can be made online.
