Break O’Day had been the only council in Tasmania not to provide the service before unanimously agreeing to introduce the program at its meeting in March. 

It is anticipated that the new service will cost residents less than $1 per week per property, with plans in place to reduce the costing even more in the future. 

Break O’Day mayor Mick Tucker said while the decision had not been reached lightly, the council was excited about providing the service to residents.

“This is something that our community has wanted for some time and we are pleased to be able to finally offer this service,” Cr Tucker said. 

“While there is still some detail to finalise which will include a tender process for a contractor, council believes this is a big step towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Break O’Day and is certainly something I am proud to be a part of.” 

Once the new service is in place Break O’Day residents will receive a new 240-litre red-topped bin, which will become the new bin for general waste. 

The yellow-topped bins which are currently used for general waste will then become recycling bins.

Cr Tucker said residents would be given a briefing on which bins to use as well as what items can be recycled before the service is rolled out. 

“We understand that we have a lot of work to do to ensure people understand the process and dos and don’ts of recycling and we will be working with the community through various mediums to ensure these messages have a wide reach.

“It is our hope that the community embrace these changes to our waste systems and make the most of the new service.” 

The total cost of 3800 new bins is expected to be around $220,000, with fortnightly recycling collections expected to cost council about $180,000 each year.

The kerbside recycling service will include 26 fortnightly collections, with council in discussions about providing an additional four collections during peak demand periods.