Wellington Shire Council has recently announced a change to our waste management services, reducing the general rubbish (red-lidded) bin collection from a weekly to a fortnightly service. While we wholeheartedly support initiatives such as recycling and the new Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) service, this abrupt reduction in essential waste management poses significant risks to our community’s health, hygiene, and overall well-being. Furthermore, we, as residents, are continuing to pay the same council rates, yet receiving only half the service we were previously entitled to.

The Council's Relief Program  does not address this Petition as it is limited to certain groups only and, it is still a fortnightly collection which this Petition seeks to reverse and will result in TWICE the amount of landfill sitting around for two weeks.

The implications of this decision are vast. Overflowing bins will lead to unsanitary conditions, attracting pests and potentially leading to public health issues. This is particularly concerning for larger families and households with young children or elderly members who may generate more waste through necessary medical supplies or diapers. The fortnightly collection cycle may not suit their needs and may force residents into difficult decisions regarding waste storage, which could pose even more health hazards.

Additionally, Wellington Shire is a growing community, and many residents are acutely aware of the environmental impact of improper waste disposal. While we applaud the Council's efforts in advocating sustainable practices, these measures should not come at the cost of compromising everyday waste management practices that are crucial for maintaining a healthy environment within our homes and neighborhoods.

We, the residents, urge the Wellington Shire Council to reassess this decision. It is imperative that they engage in comprehensive consultation with the community a transparent discussion about our needs and expectations. We call on the Council to immediately reinstate the weekly red bin collection service, thereby ensuring the well-being of our community is not jeopardized.

The Dangerous Impact on Our Community
Health Hazards for Senior Citizens: Our shire has a large population of older residents and retirees. Many rely on incontinence products, medical waste, and specialized health supplies that accumulate quickly. Keeping these items in a bin for 14 days is unsanitary and creates severe health risks for vulnerable seniors.

Severe Hygiene and Pest Risks: Leaving general waste sitting for two weeks creates foul odours and attracts flies, maggots, mice, and rats—especially during hot Victorian summers.

Unmanageable for Young Families: Households with babies and toddlers produce massive amounts of unavoidable nappy waste. Forcing parents to store human waste for a fortnight is completely unacceptable.

Physical and Financial Hardship: Many seniors and families live on fixed incomes or pensions and cannot afford council fees for extra bins. Furthermore, hauling heavy, overfilled fortnightly bins poses a real physical injury risk for older residents with limited mobility.
Increased Illegal Dumping: When bins overflow, waste goes somewhere. This policy will inevitably lead to illegal dumping in our beautiful local bushland, shifting the clean-up costs right back to ratepayers.

Our Demand

The red bin collection be reinstated to weekly collection WITH NO ADDITIONAL COST TO RESIDENTS as Council did state that it would cost ratepayers $125.00 each per Year to do so,  This is hugely unfair to residents just for reinstating a service that was operating successfully for Years until the introduction of the FOGO bins,
We support environmental progress, but it must not compromise public health or penalize our most vulnerable residents.
Sign this petition to demand that Wellington Shire Council maintains a weekly red-lidded bin collection alongside the FOGO service.

Please sign this petition to demand that the Wellington Shire Council listens to its constituents and prioritizes our health and safety by maintaining an adequate waste management system.