CESSNOCK residents could have a bulky waste collection service as early as 2025.
Plans for an investigation into Cessnock City Council's waste management plan were discussed at the ordinary meeting on Wednesday night, October 23.
The council doesn't offer a bulk kerbside collection like its neighbouring councils in Singleton, Muswellbrook, Maitland and Lake Macquarie, which allow residents to dispose of large items that cannot be placed in their regular bins.
A report to councillors recommended investigating the surrounding councils' experience, costs and results and how that may translate to the Cessnock LGA.
Mayor Daniel Watton said the investigation would help to determine how to proceed if council were to implement a kerbside bulky waste collection as early as March next year.
"A bulky waste service isn't just a matter of convenience. It's about accessibility and inclusion," he said.
As it stands, the council offers four vouchers at 250 kilograms for general waste and eight vouchers for 250 kilograms of green waste and recycling.
But with around 23 per cent of the population aged 60 and over and about seven per cent living with disabilities, Cr Watton believes there's a genuine need for kerbside collection.
"Many members of our community such as older residents, people living with disabilities and those without access to a trailer or a suitable vehicle, face real challenges in managing large household items," he said.
"It's essential that we explore waste management solutions that are accessible for everyone."
"It will also help to reduce illegal dumping and improve the overall appearance of our streets and public spaces."
In June 2023 former mayor and councillor Jay Suvaal brought forward a motion to bring the waste strategy under discussion forward.
"We wanted to work on that as early as possible and two councillors voted against bringing that forward and they were the now mayor and Cr Jessica Jurd," he said.
Paul McLachlan, Cessnock City Council's works and infrastructure director, confirmed there would be some kind of extra cost on the domestic waste charge if kerbside pick-up went ahead.
Cr Suvaal said that made it essential that all options were thoroughly investigated.
"This is either going to increase everyone's rates or people will lose their vouchers. You can't have it both ways because these things cost money," Cr Suvaal said.
Lake Macquarie and Maitland do an on-demand kerbside pick-up service. Cr Suvaal said the number of vouchers Cessnock provides is considerably higher than other councils.
"I want to make sure we look at it properly and not just make willy-nilly changes because we like the idea of something," he said.
Councillors voted to gauge information from other councils to identify a cost effective and sustainable approach for the town, with the amendment that all possible options for bulky waste are explored and reviewed.
The waste strategy under review in consultation with the community includes considering kerbside pick-up.
