Illegal dumping of rubbish along roadsides, reserves and charity stores across Canberra has increased during lockdown, prompting the ACT Government to reopen “urgent” waste drop-off services for public and commercial use from tomorrow.
But the “very limited” reopening is for those genuinely needing to dispose of waste materials and shouldn’t be taken as an opportunity for a weekend outing, Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said today.
In line with updated public health directions taking effect from tonight, Friday 27 August, the following services will reopen for urgent waste disposal, with appropriate safety measures: Resource Management Centre on Flemington Road, Mitchell; Resource Management Centre on Mugga Lane, Symonston; Soft Landing mattress disposal in Hume; and green waste drop-off on Mugga Lane.
The green waste drop-off facility on Parkwood Road will reopen on Monday 30 August.
The Green Shed shops at Mugga Lane and Mitchell will remain closed for the duration of the lockdown, Mr Steel said.
“We understand that some Canberrans have been using their free time in lockdown to spring clean their houses, tidy the garage or do some gardening,” he said.
“We also recognise some people need to move house or undertake urgent repair or maintenance work and it’s not possible for everyone to store waste temporarily. That’s why we are facilitating a very limited return to waste drop-off services from this weekend.
“If you really need to dispose of waste materials and you cannot wait, these disposal options will now be available. But it’s very important people don’t just treat this as a chance to get out of the house, especially with these services reopening this weekend.”
Disposal must be undertaken in a strictly controlled manner, and a number of COVID-control measures will be in place.
“To protect staff and visitors while reducing the risk of infection, we will be implementing drive through QR code check-ins, contactless payments, and designated lanes at drop-off points. Visitors will not be allowed to exit their vehicles unless at the designated drop-off point, and traffic marshalling will be in place to ensure this happens,” Mr Steel said.
“As a result of these safety requirements, visitors should expect delays such as queues and longer wait times. We ask Canberrans to be patient and consider visiting the drop-off facilities at quieter times such as during the week.”
Reports of illegal dumping of rubbish and waste materials have been rising during the lockdown, both along roadsides and reserves and at charity stores across Canberra.
“With drop-offs resuming at our tips, I encourage everyone to do the right thing and dispose of waste properly. Turning our charity locations and public areas into a dumping ground is bad for the environment, unsafe and puts unnecessary strain on workers and charities who have to clean up the mess,” Minister Steel said.
Licensing and Compliance officers are continuing to undertake proactive patrols, and there are strong penalties for those who are caught. Fines range from $150 to $1500 for an individual and $750 to $7500 for businesses, depending on the nature and volume of materials dumped.
ACT residents are also reminded that a green bin collection service is available to each household for garden waste and grass clippings. Residents can order a 240L green bin which will be collected from home kerbsides each fortnight. A one off $50 fee applies, while the service is free for concession card holders.
To register for a green bin, and for more information on the reopening of waste drop-off services, visit: www.cityservices.act.gov.au
Note: Normal working hours will resume for the Mitchell and Mugga Lane Resource Management Centres (7.30am – 5.00pm, seven days a week). The Parkwood green waste facility will reopen from Monday 30 August 2021 and also resume it’s normal working hours (7.30am – 4.45pm, seven days a week).
