The Wellington announcement follows resident opposition to fortnightly recycling at an estimated cost of $100 a year. It is understood the town will now investigate options for drop-off recycling centres at a considerable cost reduction.

Wellington’s withdrawal means Dubbo and Narromine ratepayers will need to outlay more if the proposed kerbside recycling program goes ahead from July next year.

Dubbo City Council had been working on increasing domestic waste management charges by between $99 and $106 a year to support the new service.

Mayor Allan Smith estimates Dubbo ratepayers will now face an additional annual charge of $7.

“In my view that would not be enough to stop recycling going ahead,’’ he said.

“I am disappointed by Wellington’s decision because a lot of work was done to get a joint recycling contract for the benefit of the Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine communities.’’

Narromine mayor Dawn Collins will do her best to ensure the recycling proposal goes ahead.

“We had an efficient kerbside recycling program in place until our CDEP (Community Development Employment Project) closed a few months ago,’’ she said.

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

Mayor Smith believes the introduction of kerbside recycling will reduce Dubbo’s landfill by 25 per cent.

The service will provide residents with yellow-lidded bins to hold paper, plastic, cardboard, steel and aluminium and glass containers.

Council’s proposed domestic and commercial waste management charges for 2010/2011, including kerbside recycling, are currently on public exhibition at the civic administration building in Church Street, Macquarie Regional Library and the Eumungerie and Wongarbon post offices. Members of the public are urged to comment.

heather.crosby@ruralpr ess.com