City of Rockingham Council has resolved to retain its current fortnightly red-lidded bin collection model, following consideration of a Notice of Motion arising from a recent Special Electors Meeting seeking to reinstate weekly collections.
Following debate, Council resolved to retain the fortnightly bin collection model introduced with the City’s FOGO service in June last year.
The decision supports the Council’s long-term commitment to reducing waste to landfill, increasing resource recovery and aligning with the State Government’s Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.
Mayor, Lorna Buchan said the decision balanced environmental responsibility with cost impacts for ratepayers.
“Council carefully considered the views of the community alongside the financial and environmental implications before making this decision,” the Mayor said.
“Maintaining the fortnightly red bin service supports our commitment to reducing landfill and keeping waste costs as low as possible for all ratepayers.”
The Council said reinstating weekly red bin collections would significantly increase the volume of waste sent to landfill and drive higher disposal costs due to escalating State landfill levy charges, resulting in increased costs for all ratepayers.
Maintaining the current system also avoids additional operational impacts, including the need for more collection vehicles and increased servicing requirements, which would add cost and reduce efficiency, it stated.
The Council said it will continue to operate under its existing FOGO arrangements, including established contracts, funding agreements and service settings, consistent with many other Western Australian local governments.
Support remains available for residents adjusting to the fortnightly red bin cycle. Council said its Environmental Education Officers can provide tailored advice on waste sorting, food and garden organics diversion and maximising available bin capacity.
