Summary of Waste Survey results, recommendations and Council Action below
In 2023, a group of passionate local residents came together after reading the Sorell Council’s proposed waste strategy. We were concerned about several key issues, including:
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A lack of meaningful collaboration with the community
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Limited public awareness of the proposed changes
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A reduction in waste services
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The potential impact on vulnerable members of our community
We wanted to ensure residents had a voice in the process, so we set out to engage the community and better understand their needs. We strongly believe that when residents are actively involved in decision-making, outcomes are more inclusive, effective, and fair.
To gather feedback, we ran a municipality-wide survey inviting residents to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. The survey was made widely accessible through:
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An online form
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Hand delivery to 5,500 letterboxes
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Paper copies available at local shops and businesses
The survey received over 1,700 responses—representing 13% of the voting population
We presented the survey findings and a set of community recommendations to the Sorell Council at their October 2023 meeting.
Summary of the survey results, recommendations and subsequent action by the Sorell Council.
Consultation
Survey results
68% were not aware of Council’s proposed changes and 90% do not feel adequately consulted.
Recommendation
1. Develop and implement a consultation plan to allow residents to have a meaningful say.
Council Action
There was no further consultation conducted by the Sorell Council, however they have introduced a FOGO (Food Organics, Garden Organics) survey which asks residents to provide feedback on the frequency of FOGO/garbage collection (Find the link to the survey HERE). The Sorell Council has also developed a Communication and Engagement Strategy. You can read my submission to the Sorell Council's consultation on their Communication and Engagement Strategy HERE. We will keep a close on eye on this space and keep everyone updated if there are any further proposed changes to waste.
Hard waste
Survey results
86% do not support stopping hard waste collection and 54% were OK with collection once a year.
77% do not have the financial and/or physical means to take hard waste to Mornington Waste Transfer Station (WTS).
Recommendation
2. Keep hard waste collection but reduce to once per year given Council’s need to cut costs.
3. Explore using Council employees to handle hard waste collection if suitable contractors are not found (as per some other Councils in Tasmania).
4. Set Up a depot that sorts hard rubbish before entering landfill.
5. Ensure any changes do not negatively impact people who are financially struggling and the elderly.
Council Action
The Sorell Council has reduced hard waste collection from four times a year to twice annually. The current contract with the service providers runs until June 30, 2026, with an option to extend for an additional year. Based on the survey, where most residents supported having hard waste collection at least once a year, we believe this new schedule is appropriate. We commend the Council for maintaining hard waste collection twice per year.
Green Waste
Survey results
67% still need bulk green waste collections after green waste wheelie bins are introduced.
79% do not have financial and/or physical means to take remaining green waste to Mornington WTS.
53% use the existing bulk green waste collection for fuel reduction.
56% would use a pre-booked chipper truck service as a replacement for bulk green waste collection.
42% would purchase subsidised compost bins.
Recommendations
6. Maintain bulk green waste collection at least twice per year, given the majority of people use this for fuel reduction.
7. Provide a free pre-booked chipper service for those with large branches, then place chips in local area for residents to take.
8. Provide subsidised compost bins (e.g. through Compost Revolution).
Council Action
The Sorell Council has reduced green waste collection from 12 times a year to 4 times a year. The current contract with the vendors will end on June 30 2026 with an option to extend by one year. Based on the survey results, we believe this new schedule is appropriate. We commend the Council for maintaining green waste collection four times per year. There has not been any discussions around providing residents with subsidised compost bins through existing programs.
Garbage Collection
Survey results
73% do not support fortnightly garbage collection when green waste / FOGO wheelie bin is provided.
65% said if renters need a larger wheelie bin but landlord won’t pay, Council should offer this free.
Recommendations
9. Initiate a community wide consultation process for the implementation of FOGO.
10. Provide larger bins to renters for free if the landlord refuses to pay.
11. Track the cost of picking up illegally dumped waste.
12. Ensure future unit/townhouse building applications include provision for a 3rd bin.
Council Action
Consultation process underway for the implementation of FOGO as explained above. No update on providing larger bins for renters if landlords refuse and tracking the cost of picking up illegally dumped waste. Note: Recommendation 12 is a planning state government issue.
Survey results 2023
In 2023 a group of residents conducted their own waste survey after Council published a waste strategy with minimal to no consultation.
The group then presented the results to the Sorell council including the counsellors.
See below the summary of results and more detailed results further down.
