There are changes afoot at the Cassilis Waste Transfer Facility including fees and opening hour changes. 

The service has been free for residents for a number of years, but Upper Hunter Shire Council can't keep it that way any longer. 

In 2018/19, all costs involved in operating the facility – including the cost of transferring waste to Scone Waste Management Facility, landfill fees, EPA levy, as well as the cost of removing illegally dumped waste was approximately $44,700.

In order to address the issue of illegal dumping at the site, Council has engaged a contractor to supervise the facility during its opening hours.

Previously, the facility was unsupervised and open to the public every Saturday from 8.00am to 4.00pm.

Whilst a skip bin is provided for the collection of waste, occasionally illegally dumped waste was found on site which was difficult and costly to remove.

Council has approved at this week's Council meeting the recommendation to introduce the fees and charges (subject to the fees being advertised for 28 days for comment) for General Mixed Waste of:
- $15.50 for car/station wagon
- $58.50 for van/ute/trailer (6x4, single axle)
- $77.00 for dual axle trailer
- $15.50 for mobile garbage bin

The proposed fees will partially offset the cost of supervision and the increasing costs of waste management generally. The fees will be consistent with other waste management facilities throughout the Shire.

The proposed fees and charges schedule will be on public exhibition for 28 days for comment.

Image credit: Grant Broadcasters/Jessica Rouse