The introduction of a weekly organics bin service is likely to be trialled at Dubbo before a permanent decision is made, despite objections about the service from the community.
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A similar trial was held 11 years ago when Dubbo City Council was considering a green waste collection service, council's director technical services Stewart McLeod said.
Up to 300 houses are expected to participate in the proposed trial, to ensure a full representation of the Dubbo community profile.
A green-lidded 240-litre wheelie bin and a 10-litre benchtop caddy with biodegradable liner bags would be provided to those chosen to participate.
"A trial not only serves to fine tune any foreseeable operational problems that may become evident but also provides a useful form of gaining public acceptance of the service through media attention and through formal council communication channels, prior to committing to the implementation of the service," he said.
If the new bins are approved after the trial the next step would be for council to call for tenders for the service.
"To take the project development to the stage of calling tenders will involve estimated expenditure of $270,000 which mainly provides for the preparation of a mandatory Environmental Impact Statement," Mr McLeod said.
"Also included in the above amount is the preparation of procurement documentation for tendering of the project and the carrying out of a recommended trial of the three-bin service in a selected area of the city."
The introduction of a third bin will increase by the Domestic Waste Management Charge (DWMC) by about $63 in today's dollar terms, Mr McLeod said.
However, in conjunction with grant funding under the Local Government Organics Collection grants program, the estimated initial increase to the DWMC would cost ratepayers $58.
During the exhibition period, 121 written submissions were made about the third bin, however 20 were from outside the proposed collection area.
"A common theme of those in favour (36 per cent) is their understanding of the broader environmental objectives of the service, ie an appreciation of the bigger picture of what the project is designed to achieve," Mr McLeod said.
"Those not in favour (64 per cent) have generally commented in terms of what the proposed service personally means for them, they could not envisage a benefit to be gained from the service or were concerned as to how those may be disadvantaged in how it will operate or what it will cost."
A survey about the organics bin service was also conducted in Dubbo as well as in Bathurst, Forbes and Parkes.
"Conversely, residents at these other councils are more supportive (83.3 per cent) of the idea of introducing a new waste service compared to Dubbo (58.9 per cent)," Mr McLeod said.
