Central Coast Council and its waste collections contractor Cleanaway are temporarily pausing the bulk waste collection service for six weeks due to significant staff shortages caused by COVID-19. 

The change to services is effective immediately and the online bulk waste booking system has been temporarily disabled. Existing bulk kerbside bookings will be collected (collection dates may vary), however residents won’t be able to book new bulk waste collections for approximately six weeks while the backlog of bulk collections is serviced and until staff resources become available. Meanwhile, remaining resources will be reallocated to ensure regular wheelie (red, yellow and green) bin collections can continue during this period.

Council Director of Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff said the pausing of bulk kerbside collection was unavoidable due to a large portion of Cleanaway’s workforce unable to work due to COVID. 

“While the bulk kerbside collections have temporarily paused, all other waste collection services including regular red, yellow and green wheelie bin collections will continue,” Mr Bolgoff said. 

“Council is conscious of the recent weather issues and will ensure that resources will be available for any storm related clean up requirements should the need arise.

“Council’s number one priority is the health and safety of the community and its staff. We recognise the inconvenience this could cause for the community and are asking for cooperation and patience during this approximate six-week pause period.”

“The community will need to hold off preparing bulk waste for collection or placing items at the front of properties for the next six weeks and until the service reopens for new bookings.”

Information for the community: 

• Do not place items out the front of properties without an existing booking. Items on kerbsides without an existing booking or items illegally dumped will not be collected during this period unless they pose a public health risk. 
• For community members who have an urgent need to dispose of bulk items during this time, Council’s waste management facilities remain open (standard waste disposal fees apply).
• Regular wheelie (red, yellow and green) bin collections will continue during this period and over the Easter long weekend – put wheelie bins out per your regular collection cycle. 

Council will advise the community of any changes including the resumption of service as necessary, and thanks the community for their cooperation and understanding during this period. 

For more information about this service disruption, search ‘bulk waste kerbside collection’ on Council’s website centralcoast.nsw.gov.au.

For questions, the community can contact Council via the 24/7 online Customer Service Centre or call 1300 463 954.

ENDS