Organic bins get tick from most: survey

Of the 2671 households participating in the scheme, 1198 or 45 per cent responded to the survey and 92 per cent of those reported using their organics bin.

Almost 80 per cent of respondents indicated fortnightly collection of the new bin suited their household’s needs while only 2 per cent reported overflowing bins.

Most complaints about the services came from residents who were dissatisfied with the frequency of their general waste collection service, which changed from weekly to fortnightly for trial participants.

A third of respondents indicated they were unhappy with the longer wait time, with many citing concerns about odour.

Acting manager of waste services Brett Martini said a handful of residents were provided with larger general waste bins at no extra charge during the trial period, but the majority of complaints had related to frequency rather than capacity.

“One of the key issues we were trying to get out of the trial was whether that fortnightly collection for both organic and the general waste would suit people and the concerns around odour have been highlighted,” he said.

In addition to the eight per cent of respondents not using their bin, Mr Martini said about 20 people had returned it.

“They were able to demonstrate they currently deal with their green waste and organics,” he said.

The council’s director of presentation and assets Darren Fuzzard said the survey would be followed by a second poll which would canvass opinion on the cost of the scheme.

“The initial survey had purposely not included any reference about the costs for ratepayers that would result from introducing an organics service as it was considered important to first understand the residents’ views about the possible fortnightly organics and general waste collection services,” he said.

Mr Fuzzard said information gained from both surveys would be included in a report to be presented to councillors for a formal decision on the scheme on March 2.