The Garden Waste Recycle Centre has now been permanently decommissioned and closed.
In 2018 the State Government’s Waste Management Policy (Compostable Recycles and Waste Materials) came into effect. This policy was focused on ensuring that combustible recycle and waste materials at waste facilities are managed and stored in a manner that minimises risks of harm to human health and the environment from hazards such as fire.
Following a review of this policy and other guidelines, it was deemed the facility does not meet the guideline requirements. Over the past few years there have been several small fires which have ignited at the site, requiring the Country Fire Authority (CFA) to respond.
The centre, located at the corner of Websters Road and Blackburn Road, Doncaster East has been operating for the past 25 years. Residents have used the service to dispose of garden waste material from their property and to reduce their fuel loads in preparation for the summer bushfire season.
Manningham Mayor, CR Andrew Conlon said the closure of the Garden Waste Centre is a necessary option to manage risk and ensure the safety of our residents and environment.
“We are committed to the safety and protection of our residents and environment. Bushfires can start quickly and impact lives and homes. Closing this facility was necessary to minimise fire risk. We will continue to provide garden waste disposal services for residents in Bushfire Prone Areas.”
Manningham has a Bushfire Prone Area within the eastern parts of the municipality. Residents living in the Bushfire Prone Area (BPA) previously used complimentary Garden Waste Disposal Vouchers at the Garden Waste Recycling Centre.
Given the closure of the Garden Waste Recycling centre we implemented Garden Waste Disposal Days (GWDD) to assist residents that previously used Garden Waste Vouchers.
Disposal days have been found to be more efficient, cost effective and a favourable option, helping residents dispose of excess garden waste from their properties in the BPA. A community survey to residents living within BPA indicated that they found the initiative highly positive, found drop off easy and staff friendly and helpful.
The next Disposal Days are scheduled to take place in August and November 2021, allowing time for residents to manage their properties before the Fire Danger Period (FDP) is declared by the State Government.
Council has an interpreter service that can be reached on (03) 9840 9355 for any resident that would like to call and arrange to speak to someone in their own language about any Manningham Council matter.
