Published on Friday, 2 October 2020 at 3:06:44 PM
The City of Vincent will support businesses to transition to using external waste providers after the decision was made to end its outdated two-bin service for commercial ratepayers.
Vincent businesses will be provided with advice and support over the next nine months before the City’s commercial rubbish collection service ends on 30 June 2021.
Commercial ratepayers will also get a rebate of about $520 each in 2021-22 to make the change to external contractors easier.
The impact of the change will be monitored and a review report will go to Council six months after the service ends to monitor any ongoing service or financial impacts. Further support for businesses will then be considered.
The current service is an extension of the two-bin system for residents, rather than a tailored commercial waste service, and it isn’t designed to meet the needs of different businesses or encourage the diversion of waste from landfill.
Contamination rates are high and many businesses are operating with rows upon rows of 240L wheelie bins, which can be unsightly and difficult to manage for collection days.
It was important for the City to review the service ahead of the planned roll out of the three-bin FOGO system for residents – a service that is not suitable for businesses – in October 2021.
The City of Vincent business case for this change demonstrated that environmental benefits from a tailored commercial waste service can be achieved with less general waste bins and better recycling options, which could result in better value for businesses too.
“Vincent’s existing service for commercial ratepayers is an adhoc add-on to our existing two bin residential service,” said Mayor Emma Cole.
“Our rubbish trucks are designed to collect the 240L wheelie bins rather than larger commercial waste bins and we provide comingled recycling only, where many businesses would benefit from a service catering to cardboard, glass or food waste.
“Commercial waste providers have economies of scale, are highly competitive and can provide tailored services costed in a way that encourages more recycling.
“We have a vision of sending no waste to landfill by 2028 and we are conscious of the environmental impact of the current commercial service.
“We’re rolling out the FOGO 3-bin service for residents next year and needed a clear direction on the future of our commercial waste as we know this won’t work for our local businesses.
“We understand this decision will have an impact on businesses and we are committed to providing a rebate along with support and advice to make the transition as smooth as possible. Once we see how the implementation has gone, further support can be made available.
“Business owners are likely to find that the transition results in less bins on their premises and less rubbish going to landfill, which could potentially lead to savings.”
About 15% of businesses in Vincent do not use the City’s commercial waste service and others top up the base service by paying for extra bins from the City of Vincent or private providers.
The City developed scenarios based on the City of Perth’s advertised external commercial waste service, identifying that less bins could result in savings for waste savvy businesses.
A scenario on a 200m2 restaurant that would usually pay for extra bins could potentially save $2093 a year through a commercial contractor, and reduce number of bins from 37 to seven.
A small retail store scenario found potential savings of $138 a year and reduction of bins from eight to three including tailored cardboard recycling.
The City of Vincent’s Beatty Park Leisure Centre was able to move from two to one skip bins by using the recycling and organics collection offered by the City of Perth commercial waste service. The change resulted in a $5000 yearly saving and a 50% reduction in the amount of rubbish sent to landfill.
To find out more, visit our commercial waste FAQ page.
Back to All News