Released 05/02/2021
The rollout of the free bulky waste collection service across Canberra has been fast‑tracked and will start in Belconnen from April 2021 and all other Canberra suburbs from July 2021.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said that he was pleased to be expanding the Government’s free bulky waste collection service earlier than promised.
“Canberra’s bulky waste collection service started in July last year in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin and I am pleased that the wider Canberra community will be able to access the service earlier than the initial rollout schedule,” Minister Steel said.
“By mid-2021 all Canberra households will be able to take advantage of a free bulky waste collection each year of up to two cubic metres of items such as old furniture and household appliances.
“Since collections started in mid July 2020, there has been more than 600 tonnes of material collected in Tuggeranong and Gungahlin showing just how keen Canberra residents are to get rid of their bulky waste.
“Whether people are moving house, doing a spring clean or making some space in their garage, there are often items that can’t be disposed of in a kerbside household bin and not everyone has a ute or trailer to be able to take the items to the tip.
“Residents in Forde, Bonner, Gowrie, Conder, Fadden, Macarthur, Theodore, Amaroo, Wanniassa and Calwell have used the service the most so far.
“The household items that have been listed for collection the most include furniture, timber, scrap metal, appliances and electrical equipment.
“Suez, the contractor providing the service, is partnering with GIVIT, The Salvation Army, Vinnies and other charities to identify items that can be sold through their shopfronts or given to people in need.
"In the seven months that the bulky waste collection service has been in operation, thousands of items have been given to Canberra charities.
“The bulky waste service has so far achieved a 38.8% resource recovery rate which is a fantastic result, with items including furniture, bikes and gardening equipment being rehomed.
“We also know that over the last three months alone more than 1,800 pieces of furniture, 400 appliances, 275 electrical items and 250 pieces of outdoor equipment have been rescued.
“Not only does this arrangement ensure vulnerable Canberrans have what they need, it also diverts waste from landfill.
“Waste is something we create when we don’t use resources to their full potential and some of the bulky items people no longer have a use for in their homes have a new purpose to serve.”
Once the bulky waste collection service comes online in each region residents will be able to book their free collection on the website or over the phone.
For more information on the bulky waste collection service visit www.act.gov.au/bulkywaste
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases