Current bin collection services for Penrith were to be reassessed in June 2017, but will now remain the same until June 2019.
Penrith City Council voted to extend five current 10 year contracts for garbage and organics, recyclables, effluent waste, civic waste and street litterbins for a further two years.
Councillor John Thain supported the idea, and said he believes the community is happy with current services, including options for extra collections if required.
“I think the community actually quite likes the services we provide. There are a number of options you can choose, including an extra red bin, or an extra yellow bin… and an extra bin collection is hardly going to break anyone’s bank accounts,” he said.
Councillor Marcus Cornish is unhappy with the extension, demanding weekly collections be reinstated.
“It’s insulting to the people of Penrith. The bin collection effects people who are less well off, who can’t afford the extra costs,” he said.
Glenmore Park resident Judy Adams has paid for an extra recycling bin for the last three years, and said it’s absolutely necessary for a large household.
“There’s six of us in the house, and it just wouldn’t all fit. It does cost more, but if you have a lot of people in the household you need to have the extra bins otherwise the rubbish flows out and it’s disgusting,” she said.
“However, I do think Council should reassess whether or not they give larger households extra red bins. And I don’t think they should have to pay for them.”
For more information on bin the collection services available in the Penrith area, visit http://www.penrithcity.nsw.gov.au/waste-and-environment/waste/bin-services.
– Dale Drinkwater
Weekender Newsroom
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