MEEGAN Fitzharris says Tuggeranong residents will be the next to benefit from a green bin service to dispose of their garden waste with a rollout to begin in mid-2017.

“The ACT wide green waste bin pilot announcement earlier this year has been extremely well received by residents with almost 5,000 households in the pilot area of Weston Creek and Kambah registering since May 2016,” Meegan said.

“I am thrilled after only three months since the original announcement was made to be in a position to extend the service to the next region today.”

Local MLA Joy Burch welcomed the announcement and said, “I have received significant feedback from Tuggeranong residents about the services they want the Government to provide and I am confident that green bins will be a welcome addition to help people manage their garden waste in a responsible and cost effective way.”

Local MLA Mick Gentleman added, “Tuggeranong homes have many mature trees and well established gardens, making this is a logical next step for the service.”

The Tuggeranong green bin rollout will follow the pilot in Weston Creek and Kambah which is scheduled for early 2017.

“The ACT Government will continue to provide green bin services to more regions throughout Canberra using a phased rollout,” said Minister Fitzharris.

“Access to a garden waste bin will save families both time and money, while also having environmental benefits. It’s what people have told us they want.

“Garden waste collected from the kerb will be processed, recycled and made available through commercial providers. The tender for these services will be finalised ahead of the pilot.

“Residents in the areas the service is offered can opt-in for a one-off fee of $50, with bins collected every fortnight.

“I encourage interested Tuggeranong residents to register their interest now in receiving a green bin at www.act.gov.au/greenbins. Residents in Kambah and Weston Creek can still register as well,” Minister Fitzharris concluded.

[Photo by Awaya Legends, attribution licence]