Maggots, flies and the stench: Eleebana’s Michelle Shetab has the lot around her garbage bin, but she knows many families are doing it tougher.
Lake Macquarie council will consider a report on potential ways to address the waste collection needs of residents at a meeting on Monday 25 February.
The council rolled out a new three-bin system last July, which aimed to reduce the amount of annual waste sent to landfill by about 17,000 tonnes and offset increasing disposal costs.
Under the Food+Garden=Green service, all food scraps and garden waste go into the household green bin to be emptied weekly.
The garbage and recycling bins – red and yellow lids – are emptied on alternating fortnights.
However, health and hygiene has become an issue for some residents, with dirty nappies a major source of angst amongst families.
The council has proposed solutions such as an ongoing supply of thicker compostable bags to all residents for free, enhanced promotion of an opt-in weekly garbage service at a cost of about $250 per year, and methods to manage summer pests.
Ms Shetab says, while others are seemingly happy with the system, there needs to be a compromise.
“I can see people really struggling out there – you can’t just say it’s a minority that is struggling,” she says.
“I’d love to see the $250 weekly bin service offered free of charge to those who really want it.
“I personally think the green bin is a good idea, I’m all for not filling the land.
“A lot of people are happy with the new system, it’s working for them – for those people, leave them be.
“[But] I personally ended up getting maggots for the first time recently and the flies I’ve got are not from my bin.”
In January, the council hosted two workshops, which covered a review of the feasibility and full implications of re-instating a weekly garbage service; the costs and promotion of opt-in weekly garbage service and upsized recycling bins; managing nappies; and developing ideas for community engagement.
Toronto mother Nicole Gielan says she has struggled to manage the system with a five-person household, as well as pets.
“The rubbish pile is disgusting – it stinks,” she says.
“I’ve got maggots, flies, I’ve noticed rats too, and had garbage thrown onto my nature strip.
“I don’t think it’s just a minority from what I’ve seen, it’s normally single couples who haven’t had a problem with the bins, but a lot of families are having trouble.”
Visit lakemac.com.au/food-garden-green for more information on the service.
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