Moira Shire Council is making the changes effective as of this Monday, June 5 with the aim of streamlining operations, meeting legislative requirements and to ensure the proper and safe handling of waste materials.
From Monday the shire will only accept domestic household waste, this is waste that is generated in a household through normal day to day activities.
Building/demolition or commercial/industrial waste loads will now be directed to the Cobram landfill for disposal.
Household waste is what would commonly be generated from day-to-day activities in your household, demolition would be construction materials such as timber, plaster etc.
In relation to commercial loads, a box trailer such as 6 x 4 trailer or up to two cubic meters is about the size that would be accepted, anything larger than this would be considered a commercial quantity of waste (this would not have to necessarily be demolition materials) and be sent to Cobram landfill.
Clean concrete and bricks will still be accepted at Yarrawonga’s transfer station once this area is re-opened following the current clean-up. This is a separate waste stream and does not go to landfill and is not placed in the transfer bins on site.
In a statement released by council it states the changes will allow council, “to better manage operations, reduce burden on ratepayers and ensures compliance with Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulations”.
“Council cannot accept asbestos, liquid waste, dead animals, industrial food waste, hot ashes, hazardous/toxic substances, night soil or sewerage, grease trap waste, medical or clinical waste, or fly ash. These restrictions are in place to comply with EPA regulations, reduce operational strain, and minimise costs for ratepayers.”
As part of these changes, the Yarrawonga Transfer Station will adjust its operating hours to 8am-3pm daily (currently open 9am-4pm daily). This modification aligns the station's schedule with the landfill, enabling efficient waste management and load monitoring.
Acting Chief Executive Officer Josh Lewis said the changes reflect council’s commitment to maintaining a safe and environmentally conscious waste management system.
"These adjustments to our transfer stations align with our commitment to providing efficient and sustainable waste management solutions for our community. By only allowing domestic household waste to our transfer stations and directing building, demolition, commercial and industrial waste loads to the Cobram landfill, we can also better manage our operations and reduce costs,” Mr Lewis said.
Mr Lewis said council appreciated the cooperation and understanding of all stakeholders as they strive to enhance waste management services in Moira Shire.
Dumping of illegal rubbish, at transfer stations, landfill sites, roadside stops, or along roadsides is strictly prohibited. Any sightings of such activities should be reported to Moira Shire Council Local Laws for immediate action.
Additionally, Drum Muster containers and waste oil up to 20 litre containers is only accepted at the following sites: Cobram, Nathalia, Numurkah, and Yarrawonga.
For inquiries or further information regarding these changes contact Moira Shire Council on (03) 5871 9222 or to go their website at www.moira.vic.gov.au.