It's that time of year when the wilder winds hit and we're reminding everyone working on construction sites to tie down their polystyrene waffle pods.
Waffle pods which are not securely tied down can be picked up by the wind and they can have a serious impact on our waterways, farmland and environment.
That's why we're also asking any residents who spot waffle pods that aren't where they're meant to be, to call Council so we can oversee their clean up.
"Polystyrene waffle pods are a common material used in the construction of buildings and many of our residents will remember two windy winters ago when we had major problems with these pods in new housing developments in West Dapto,'' Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.
"Since this incident we have taken a proactive approach to managing this issue. We've worked behind the scenes to advocate for changes to the waffle pod industry code of practice, which puts the accountability for managing waffle pods back on suppliers, builders and developers.
"There's still a way to go before this issue is solved and I encourage builders to consider using more environmentally friendly alternatives. In the meantime, we need our community to help report waffle pods that aren't secured properly, so we can ensure they are managed and disposed of correctly by those who use them."
At the same time, we know that for some of our residents stuck at home, online shopping has meant they have more cardboard and polystyrene waste to get rid of.
"If you do have extra packaging, make sure you get rid of cardboard, plastics and polystyrene responsibly," Cr Bradbery said.
"Cardboard and recyclable plastics go in your yellow recycling bin. Polystyrene goes in your red general waste bin."
