Waste collection delays

Waste and recycling bin collections will be disrupted across the Moreton Bay Region next week, with the Transport Workers Union notifying Council their drivers will strike on Monday, November 16.

A Council spokesperson says residents are assured their rubbish will still be collected, although it may be not the same day.

“It’s estimated the strike action will create at least a one day delay on your usual weekly household waste collection,” the spokesperson says.

“Your fortnightly recycling collection may be delayed for a number of days, but all bins will be collected within a week of the usual collection date.”

Skeleton staff

Cleanaway, Council’s waste collection contractor, will operate with a skeleton staff to ensure waste collection services can continue.

As long as bins are left on the kerbside, they will be collected.

To ensure Cleanaway’s staff can process the increased workload there will be additional conditions temporarily enforced on collections.

Temporary rules

The conditions include overloaded bins not being emptied – each bin’s lid must be able to be closed; overflow waste on the ground around bins will not be collected, and bins blocked by a vehicle on the street or other obstructions will not be emptied.

The rules will be enforced from 4am on Tuesday, November 17 through to 4am on Saturday, November 21.

Last resort

TWU QLD Branch Secretary Peter Biagini says industrial action is always a last resort, but members voted to take protected industrial action after protracted negotiations with Cleanaway for a new enterprise agreement.

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