THE chances of an additional waste pick up being introduced in Albury at Christmas and Easter remains a possibility.
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Albury Council senior management will investigate the cost of an extra service in response to a community backlash about the build-up of rubbish during the recent Christmas break.
Cr Ross Jackson brought the matter before council this week with senior staff to bring a report back to its next meeting on the cost of rubbish contractor Cleanaway adding an extra service at the two peak holiday periods.
The father of a young daughter, Cr Jackson said he was personally struggling with the three-bin system including the disposal of soiled nappies.
“I don't care what people say, the little plastic bags you tie to suspend the smell don't work as well as they say,” he said.
“If we have a look at the feedback on social media we had almost 500 comments about how we thought the bin system was travelling over Christmas.”
Albury Council signed up to a 12-year deal with Cleanaway in mid-2012 for a revised waste collection service which included the introduction of a three-bin system.
The service commenced early last year and negotiations would have to take place with Cleanaway about its capacity to do an extra pick-up.
Cleanaway was contacted for comment.
Deputy mayor Cr David Thurley spoke against the need for an extra service and residents simply had to manage waste better.
“The whole purpose of this system is to reduce waste and not generate more waste," he said.
“Frequently I see the wrong use of bins with food and recyclables going in the red bins.
“If you've got too much paper and cardboard you can put it in the green bin.”
Albury Council signed up to an interim contract with Cleanaway to begin the three-bin service when a site at Gerogery for a compost facility was rejected.
It expires on June 30 next year with organic waste product being transported to Wagga after being sorted at Albury tip.
Council's engineering director Brad Ferris was asked for an update on Cleanaway building a compost facility.
“My understanding is they are re-visiting the current site as well as looking at some alternate sites,” he said.
Cr Darren Cameron said the majority of residents were not happy with the present arrangements.
“I'm not a fan of the current system,” he said.
“If given an opportunity I would revert back to the old system.”
Cr Cameron said it was clear the education campaign about the bin system had “failed”.