In 2024, the City of Melville replaced its scheduled bulk rubbish and green waste collections with a booked verge collection system. This change was promoted as a more convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solution. However, in practice, it has created significant issues for residents and reduced accessibility to waste collection services.

We, the undersigned, call on the City of Melville to reinstate the previous scheduled system for the following reasons:

1. Reduced Access to Services We Pay For
The new system requires residents to book waste collections in advance, but appointments are often booked out weeks or months in advance. Some residents have reported waiting over two months for their bulk waste to be collected. This is not more convenient than the previous system, where every household was guaranteed a collection at set times.

2. No Clear Environmental or Cost Benefits
The council claims this system is more sustainable and cost-effective, but no evidence has been provided to show how. Council rates have not decreased, so residents are not seeing any cost savings. Additionally, the new system does not appear to divert more waste from landfill than the previous verge collection process, which already encouraged repurposing and recycling by allowing the community to salvage useful items.

3. Lack of Oversight and Potential for Misuse
Under the new system, anyone can book a collection on behalf of any property, with no verification required. This opens the door to unauthorised bookings, errors, and misuse, further complicating the process for residents.

4. Loss of a Valuable Community Tradition
The scheduled bulk waste collections were more than just a rubbish removal service – they were a community event. Residents could salvage, upcycle, and repurpose items placed on verges before collection, reducing landfill waste and encouraging sustainable practices. The new system has eliminated this tradition, making it harder for unwanted items to find a second life.

The previous scheduled system was fairer, more accessible, and better suited to community needs. We urge the City of Melville to listen to residents and restore scheduled green waste and bulk rubbish collections for all households.

Sign this petition to bring back a waste collection system that works for everyone!