Hard look at waste

CASEY council is looking at new ways of ridding residents of their hard rubbish.
Casey councillor Rafal Kaplon is hoping a report from the council will address a number of issues surrounding the current hard waste collection policy.
At a council meeting earlier this month, Cr Kaplon raised a notice of motion after a number of concerns were raised about the new system adopted in October 2011.
The successful motion asked the council to address the difference between the previous and current system, the benefits to the council under the current policy, as well as options available to improve it.
The policy asks residents to book a time to have their rubbish collected and then put it out a week before, but Cr Kaplon said this can often cause confusion.
“The main problem is that people are unaware that they need to pre-book,” he said.
Consequently, a resident will see their neighbour put out their hard waste, and assume it is collection time for the entire street.
The Four Oaks ward councillor said this can cause frustration among residents because it leaves their road looking untidy.
“Some believe it makes streets look not as appealing,” he said.
Cr Kaplon said he was aware it can take up to two years for a new system to properly adapt, but was hopeful a report may draw attention to ways it can be improved.
“It’s such a big issue,” he said.
“We need a proper in-depth report and compare the new system to the old system.”
Berwick resident Kim Coleman has experienced issues with the new system first-hand, and said she didn’t see an problem with the old arrangement.
“The old system only saw rubbish on people’s lawns twice a year,” she said.
“I don’t think there was anything wrong with the old system.”
Cr Kaplon also raised another concern in regard to the current scheme, which identified a problem for non-English speaking residents.
“(I am) hoping it will turn attention to ways to address non English speaking residents,” he said.
“Especially given we are more culturally diverted now.”
He emphasised the importance of getting the message across that you must now book to have rubbish collected.
Cr Kaplon said he hoped the council would investigate ways it can do this and make proactive moments toward refining the current system.