The decision was made at an extraordinary council meeting following the collapse of a joint tender deal with the local government areas of Wellington and Dubbo.

Wellington pulled out of the tender arrangement following resident opposition to fortnightly recycling at an estimated cost of $100 a year.

Dubbo City Council has moved forward with its recycling plans by accepting a 10-year tender with JR Richards and Sons.

Narromine Mayor Dawn Collins yesterday told the Daily Liberal her town “looks like going it alone with regards to a kerbside collection service”.

“We remain committed to recycling and council’s general manager and building and planning manager will be renegotiating with the contractor and taking another look at costs.

“Narromine had an efficient kerbside recycling program in place until our CDEP (Community Development Employment Project) closed several months ago.

“The benefits of recycling are well understood by the Narromine community with a reduction in landfill and less general waste.

“Surveys undertaken by Narromine council demonstrate more than 70 per cent of residents support kerbside recycling. We expect the service to recommence at the start of 2010 at a ratepayer cost of between $70 and $80 per year.’’

Dubbo Mayor Allan Smith yesterday stated he was unconcerned about recycling decisions made by Narromine and Wellington councils.

“Their choices won’t make any difference to Dubbo because our tender has already been let,’’ he said.

“The tender was accepted on the basis of Narromine and Wellington being involved or one or both pulling out.

“The cost of kerbside recycling in Dubbo will be incorporated into the overall waste services charge listed on rate notices.

“The maximum annual charge has been set at $247 but that amount could be reduced due to cost savings.’’

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