IT’S fee-free green waste time again at your local tip, either Bass Coast or South Gippsland, ahead of the bushfire danger period which will be on us soon enough, notwithstanding the welcome rain we’ve had in the pass week.
At Bass Coast the annual fee-free green waste disposal period runs from Saturday, November 2 to Sunday, November 24 2024 so don’t waste time getting started on your annual clean-up.
At South Gippsland, you get a little longer, also starting on the Saturday prior to the Melbourne Cup and running through until the end of December, so plenty of time there.
But, there’s no time like the present to prune, cut and rake and generally reduce rambling overgrowth or simply tidy up ahead of summer.
During this time, Bass Coast residents and ratepayers can dispose of green waste free of charge at Council’s Waste Facilities in Grantville, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cowes.
“Now is the perfect time for property owners and residents to clear their land of bushfire hazards before summer. Bushfire hazards include fuel like leaf litter, plants, and other debris. If left to build up, these materials can feed a fire and make it more dangerous,” said the Bass Coast Shire in a statement this week.
At South Gippsland, they want to remind you that certain weeds aren’t welcome.
“To improve the quality of the mulch produced, there are several plant species that are not accepted as green waste, including blackberry, ragwort; broom, mirror bush; kikuyu grass; hawthorn; cape weed; gorse; agapanthus; blue butterfly bush; and pampas grass. Plant species that are difficult to mulch properly are also not included in the amnesty such as palm fronds, cordylines, yuccas and related species.”
At Bass Coast tips and transfer station there’s extend hours. With the first weekend of the disposal period coinciding with the Melbourne Cup weekend and Council’s waste facilities are remaining open on Melbourne Cup Day. High demand may lead to queues and delays, particularly on this first weekend. Disposing of your green waste in the middle of the fee-free period may help you avoid delays.
To ensure the safety of our staff and community during this busy period, Cowes Recycling Bank will be introducing a booking system for the first time. Those dropping off green waste must book a free 15-minute time slot. Bookings are not required for Grantville, Wonthaggi or Inverloch.
Those visiting Cowes Recycling Bank should also note:
* Large trucks and trailers (over 8' x 5') are not accepted and will be redirected to Grantville Transfer Station during the fee-free green waste period.
* Cowes Recycling Bank has a new entry point. Please follow the 'Entry' and 'Exit' signs.
* Entry for fee-free green waste disposal is via The Concourse end of Dunsmore Road, not the Settlement Road end, to help manage traffic.
Bass Coast also excludes weed species including blackberry, English ivy, agapanthus, mirror bush and plants that cannot be mulched such as palm fronds are not accepted as green waste at any of our locations, however these can go in your kerbside Organics (green lid) bin at any time.
To book your drop-off time at Cowes Recycling Bank or learn what’s accepted, locations, and hours of Council’s Waste Facilities, visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/greenwaste