The next step has been taken towards the introduction of an organics bin in Dubbo.
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Dubbo Regional Council has opened tenders for the kerbside collection of the three bin system in Dubbo, Narromine and Mid Western council areas, as well as the design, construction and operation of a regional composting plant.
The tenders, if acceptable, could “open the way” for the introduction of a new kerbside food and garden waste collection service for urban households and businesses in Dubbo, council’s manager civil infrastructure and solid waste Steve Clayton said.
The introduction of a food and garden organic bin has been met with mixed response by the public, and councillors of the former Dubbo City Council were some of the loudest objectors on the issue. However, the three-bin system was trialled last year and a post-trial survey found 76 per cent supported, or at least did not oppose, the introduction of an organics collection service.
The proposed $7 million composting plant, to operate from the Whylandra Waste and Recycling Centre, will convert the green waste into commercial-grade compost.
If a tender is accepted, the contract documents provide for services to commence from mid-2018.
- Steve Clayton
It will create jobs, with three or four employees per shift and oversight from a larger parent company, Mr Clayton said.
“The compost product produced from the plant will generate new servicing opportunities for related local businesses that will multiply the economic stimulus from the processing operation as the product is distributed, retailed and used by landscapers and so on.”
The contract will be complex, and many different servicing options need to he priced by the tenderers, Mr Clayton said. As such, applications will close on April 26.
From there, a panel of council representatives and external appointees will assess the applications and prepare a report for council.
“A council decision is required to accept any tender. If a tender is accepted, the contract documents provide for services to commence from mid-2018,” Mr Clayton said.