July 17, 2009

Please note - The Waste Collection Calendars issued with the new Recycling Bins will not come into operation until 31 August 2009.  Residents should still continue to follow the current collection calendars until that date.

The rollout of more than 30,000 wheelie bins will start on Monday July 20 as part of the major new garbage and recycling services to begin across the Tamworth Regional Council area.

A new era in waste generation comes into effect in six weeks when for the first time one contractor will provide 23,500 garage and recycling services to all eligible properties across TRC.

Under the new deal, some areas that have never had recycling before will get it and an extra 700 new properties will get basic garbage pick-ups for the first time.

The biggest change for most TRC residents will be in their recycling bin. For nearly 10 years, over 16,000 city property owners have used the old black crate to recycle their newspaper and cardboard throwouts and their tins and bottles.

This time around, there will be no lifting involved, because TRC has introduced a wheelie bin just like the existing garbage and green waste bins we’ve been using.

The new bin, which comes in the standard 240 litre size, but with a distinctive yellow lid, will take all recyclables in one.

You can recycle paper, cardboard, glass bottles, drink cartons, cans and plastics in one container. 

TRC waste services manager John Davis says the new contract will provide an integrated waste management system for the community that will be relevant and appropriate for the next 10 years.

For the first time since the rural areas of Manilla, Nundle, Barraba and the former Parry shires amalgamated with the city council five years ago, anyone who receives a kerbside garbage collection will also get a recycling service.

Residents outside the city area of Tamworth, at Manilla, Barraba, Nundle, and along some main rural roads like Garthowen, Inlet, Gaol Creek, Duri, Timbumburi and Ogunbil will get recycling services. Wherever garbage collections occur, so will recycling services under the new deal. Some 6,500 new properties will get the recycling service for the first time.

There will also be an extension of the green waste to an extra 850 properties in Moonbi and Kootingal villages. Manilla, Barraba, Nundle, Moonbi and Kootingal will also pick up bulky goods household cleanup services for the first time too under the new contract.