In a move to help tackle illegally dumped waste Monash Council will introduce an Occupy Roadway Permit – Application for Clothing and Recycling Bin.
From 1 July 2019, any Charity or Recycler with current donation sites on Monash Council-owned or managed property will need to apply for this permit.
Council has received an increasing number of complaints from the public about recycling donation bins placed without permission, illegally dumped waste at bin sites and operators emptying bins late at night.
Mayor Shane McCluskey said clothing, charity and recycling bins were an important way for people to recycle and divert materials away from landfill, however unsightly and illegally placed donation points were a concern for the community.
"That's why Monash is setting up an application process for these bins so that only approved donation points are allowed on Council-owned and managed land like car parks and community spaces." Cr McCluskey said.
"If you are out and about and notice bins overflowing or surrounded by illegally dumped waste, in derelict condition or covered in graffiti, we want to know about it so we can get the operators to clean up their act."
As part of the permit and agreement process, applicants must apply for a permit. Charities who are able to prove they are registered under the Charities Act and hold current membership of the National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) will not be charged a permit fee.
NACRO is the peak body for charitable organisations that re-sell donated goods like clothing, books and furniture through op shops to fund their community welfare programs and services.
Bins must also be clearly identified with the name and telephone number of the recycler, welfare organisation or charity group. Bins must be clean and free of graffiti.
Cr McCluskey encouraged anyone with concerns about a donation bin that was overflowing or appeared to be placed in an inappropriate location to contact Council on 9518 3555.
