By Molly Magennis
Staff shortages have impacted waste collection services in Hobsons Bay, with residents asked to have patience and understanding over the coming weeks.
Council’s waste collection contractors were unable to collect the green food and garden waste bin on Monday January 10. All bins were emptied the following day, however this impacted services for the rest of the week.
Council said contractors worked throughout the past week by extending shifts and bringing in additional drivers to help empty the bins.
Mayor of Hobsons Bay Cr Peter Hemphill said staff shortages remain a changing situation.
“Similar to many local businesses, COVID-related staff shortages are impacting Council’s waste collection contractors with drivers unable to work,” he said.
“If the bins haven’t been collected as scheduled, please leave them out, as our contractor is working hard to empty them by the following day.”
These disruptions come as Council announced they would be initiating a large-scale trial of paper bags to help recycle food scraps, after a small-scale trial done in 2021 received positive feedback.
The food and garden waste bin has remained an issue since Council decided to change it’s collection schedule to fortnightly instead of weekly last year, the result of which has left many residents complaining about the stench of the bins.
On a Hobsons Bay community Facebook page last week, one resident asked if there was anything that could be done to get the weekly collection back.
“I am concerned as the maggots are going overboard in the bins and we are going to be inundated with flies,” he said.
Another resident said she will not be going on walks around the neighbourhood on green bin collection day anymore.
“Last time was so unpleasant and there was no escape, just bin after bin, mouthful after mouthful of rancid air,” she said.
Cr Hemphill said the new paper bag trial will make it easier for residents to recycle their food and reduce landfill.
“By sending less to landfill we reduce harmful emissions and reduce costs to Council and residents.”
Residents must register for the paper bag trial via the Council’s website.
Details: www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/paperbagtrial
