Originally councils provided a tip where ratepayers could dispose of rubbish too large to fit into the weekly pickup bins. This was considered an essential council service - and it was free !
The inevitable march of progress saw fees applied, but these were applied selectively.
A trailer load of general rubbish attracted the highest fee, a trailer load of green waste a lower fee - because council processed that into mulch - and metal items were accepted free of charge - because they could be recycled.
Now that trailer load of general rubbish will still attract the general rubbish fee, but additional fees will be applied to selected items contained in the load.
For instance, if there is a TV that will be priced at an extra $ 30. A computer monitor will cost $25, a mattress $22, and car tyres $ 5 each.
The reason council gives for this policy change is sending these selective items away for recycling rather than allowing them to fill up valuable landfill space.
Once again we have double dipping !
The council will benefit from the recovery of valuable parts taken from these items or products such as children's playground soft-fall material made from tyres.
There is a danger that imposing steep selective charges on individual items within each trailer load will deter ratepayers from using the tip, and instead dump unwanted goods in the streets and parks to avoid the fees.
Perhaps now would be a good time for council to review the original reason for having a city council. Back at that time most considered that it's main purpose was to serve the ratepayers.
Today - it's main purpose seems to be to extract money from them !
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