From 1 July 2024, Macedon Ranges Shire Council will start charging residents to drop off green waste at its Resource Recovery Facilities (aka Transfer Stations).

This will negatively impact residents and local businesses – and we call on the council to reevaluate the decision. Free green waste disposal should be covered in our rates. We're in a cost-of-living crisis and the council needs to put the safety in our bushfire-prone region above revenue generation. This change will also include now charging for co-mingled recycling drop-offs.

Free green waste:

• Helps residents prepare for bushfire season and maintain properties year-round
• Keeps our region tidy by discouraging illegal dumping
• Supports local garden and trade businesses who won't have to pass on the cost to residents
• Means fewer residents will have to burn their waste, resulting in less pollution to the atmosphere (not to forget that many residents on less than 2,000 square metres are prohibited from burning off – and those on equal to or less than 4,000 square metres need to register for a permit to do so)
• Allows council to continue to receive free raw materials for their mulch and compost sales operation
• Acknowledges residents and farmers maintaining acreage and shows council understands not everything can fit in a FOGO bin
• Keeps confidence in our council that it can adequately manage facilities and budgets without always passing on costs to residents

The proposed change means residents will likely pay $40+ per trailer load of green waste disposal (~$13.80 per 6x4x1 foot trailer). For a full list of the updated green-waste charges, see page 80 in the MRSC Budget 2024-25.

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