Beulah Waste and Recycling Survey Results Outcome
Yarriambiack Shire Council currently operates eight transfer stations, a bi-monthly community waste and recycling collection in Yaapeet, and has temporarily closed the transfer station, as it undertakes a trial bi-monthly waste and recycling collection in Patchewollock.
The cost of waste and recycling services is substantial for both the Council and residents. Consequently, we have been exploring innovative methods to offer a more sustainable service in the future.
In 2024, the Council proposed alternative operating models for Beulah residents to consider regarding the collection of waste and recycling outside the kerbside collection service, in response to community requests for Council to consider a recycling hub.
In late July 2024, a survey was distributed to all residents of Beulah and district to gather their opinions on a proposal for setting up a community waste and recycling hub within Beulah township, as opposed to the existing Transfer Station arrangement.
The proposed community recycling hub aimed to offer daily access and encourage recycling over landfilling. modelled after the Yaapeet collection service, it was intended as a permanent solution.
After conducting a community engagement process, which included a community meeting and a survey mail out, we received the following feedback:
Of the 170 surveys sent out to residents, there were 31 replies to the survey. Of the responders:
For rural customers who do not receive kerbside service, additional questions were asked about options for a bin exchange opposed to dropping rubbish at the Transfer Station. Among the 12 respondents in this category, 4 answered 'Yes' and 8 answered 'No'. The main concerns raised were regarding dirty or broken bins.
When asked about ceasing the kerbside glass collection if a drop off was available 14 responded with ‘Yes’ and 7 saying ‘No’.
When asked about options for the location of a glass collection point, 7 indicated they preferred the Lions Club Depot, 4 responded that the proposed community recycling hub was preferred while 2 indicated they preferred the Post office area and 1 suggested the football oval.
The use of the Transfer Station was varied across the 31 responses ranging from weekly (1), monthly (9), quarterly (4), half yearly (7), yearly (4) and never (7).
The main items taken to the Transfer Station are green waste, hard waste, household waste, recycling, scrap metal and tyres.
Transfer Station records indicate that over the last four months there have been around 20 visits to the Transfer Station per month.
The general feedback suggested no necessity for altering the existing mode of operation concerning the Transfer Station option. Therefore, the Council will maintain the current format of operating the Transfer Station in Beulah in the near future.
Residents planning to use the transfer stations should check the Yarriambiack Shire Council Facebook page and website for updates, as the Transfer Station may occasionally close due to staff availability.