Locals in certain parts of Sydney's Inner West are worried that their streets might smell worse as the weather heats up due to changes in how garbage is collected.

Starting from October 9, residents in the Inner West Council area will have their red garbage bins—which will contain sanitary products, nappies and pet litter—emptied every two weeks instead of weekly.

Green bins, where they're required to put organic food and garden waste, will be collected every week.

People are worried that the new system could lead to more rodents in the area, overflowing bins, and horrific odours, especially with waste sitting in bins for a fortnight.

Some residents also feel there hasn't been enough discussion with the community about these changes. The decision was also criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.

The council says these changes will save money by reducing the use of landfills and helping the environment. They also want to reassure residents that these changes won't affect their fees.

Garbage services will soon begin to collect (general waste) red bins fortnightly rather than weekly. Credit: Shutterstock.

Dan Shaw, a local resident, said he only recently found out about the revised schedule after a heated post on a community Facebook group garnered an overwhelming response, with hundreds of reactions and comments pouring in.

'I'm annoyed at the lack of consultation and disclosure about the changes. While we need to support the environment and reduce waste, changes need to be carefully planned and implemented,' he said.

'Inner West Council seems to largely just make their own decisions and ignore community feedback. Not everyone even has space for (three) bins.'

Mr Shaw said the smell amidst the sweltering heat would be an issue. But, while his household is able to keep their bins away from their home, he felt bad for his neighbours who couldn't.

'We don't have babies, so no nappies in our bins, but there are plenty of young families around, and I feel sorry for them. With a very hot summer predicted, you'd think winter would be a more suitable time to trial this,' he argued.

In the post on social media, more and more residents are commenting to call out the council, calling their decision 'out of touch' and 'disastrous'.

'My red bin is full of nappies and cat litter every week. Inner city living means that our homes and blocks are small, so there's no space to store larger bins or new bins being rolled out. What do you propose we do?' wrote one woman.

Another agreed and added, 'My only spot where my bins fit is next to my kitchen. I eat a lot of seafood and have cat litter. My bins smell after a few days. I simply can't imagine what they would smell like after a week without collecting!'

A spokesperson for the Inner West Council said that despite the backlash, the environmental impact would be 'significant' and that the program would save ratepayers more than $370,000 per year in landfill needs.

Despite the scrutiny and doubt from some households, they emphasised that while this change may be 'challenging at first', it is worth it in the long run.

'Diverting food and garden waste from landfills is the single biggest thing we can do as a community to help combat climate change. After the initial rollout in October, we will review the data and have the resources to make modifications and changes if necessary.'

And for those concerned about odour issues, he suggested securely wrapping diapers, pads, period products, and pet waste before disposing of them in the red bin.

​

In March, we reported a similar incident, where residents of Greater Shepparton, a regional area north of Melbourne, weren't happy after their local council announced a significant change to the bin collection system.

Like the earlier story, red bins were announced to be collected fortnightly instead of weekly, sparking the same concerns.

'Do we just throw our garbage bags on the kerbside when the small bin gets full in the first week? This is just ridiculous,' one local commented on a Facebook post.

Another added, 'The council has this all wrong. Just leave it the way it is. Why change something that isn't broken?'

'It's going to be disgusting,' said a third. Read the full story here.

Some members also had a say in this matter. Member @Jennylolo argued, 'Bins shouldn't be overflowing for safety and health. But weekly red bins are often like this. I can't imagine if they were fortnightly.'

Member @PepeLePew was also in the same boat as some residents, saying: 'I live in Qld and would dread this happening here. I also rent, so I only have a small red lid bin that is pretty much filled up every week.'

Adding to the conversation, member @siameezer wrote, 'We have had this in my area of Melbourne for a couple of years now, and yes, it is a smelly inconvenience. Due to medical reasons, I have had to get a bigger red bin, and I am lucky that it actually lasts a fortnight before it is full.'

Member @Rowiee also offered another perspective, suggesting: 'It is basically forcing ratepayers to pay for a bigger red bin. More expense in this current climate.'

Key Takeaways

• Anger is rising over a Sydney council's decision to collect red lid bins fortnightly instead of weekly without consulting locals appropriately.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the smell, rodents and potential overflowing bins, particularly during the sweltering summer temperatures.
• The decision has been criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.
• An Inner West Council spokesman highlighted the environmental impact of the changes and emphasised that modifications and adjustments can be made after the initial October rollout.

Members, what are your thoughts on these stories? We also want to ask: What is the schedule for bin collection in your area? Has it been working for you and your lifestyle so far, or do you think something needs to change there as well? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

 

[Leenie]

You didn’t check out their generosity. You get less service but they are not going to charge you extra. How good is that?

Typical council they think everyone has deep pockets.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

Locals in certain parts of Sydney's Inner West are worried that their streets might smell worse as the weather heats up due to changes in how garbage is collected.

Starting from October 9, residents in the Inner West Council area will have their red garbage bins—which will contain sanitary products, nappies and pet litter—emptied every two weeks instead of weekly.

Green bins, where they're required to put organic food and garden waste, will be collected every week.

People are worried that the new system could lead to more rodents in the area, overflowing bins, and horrific odours, especially with waste sitting in bins for a fortnight.

Some residents also feel there hasn't been enough discussion with the community about these changes. The decision was also criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.

The council says these changes will save money by reducing the use of landfills and helping the environment. They also want to reassure residents that these changes won't affect their fees.

View attachment 29705

Garbage services will soon begin to collect (general waste) red bins fortnightly rather than weekly. Credit: Shutterstock.

Dan Shaw, a local resident, said he only recently found out about the revised schedule after a heated post on a community Facebook group garnered an overwhelming response, with hundreds of reactions and comments pouring in.

'I'm annoyed at the lack of consultation and disclosure about the changes. While we need to support the environment and reduce waste, changes need to be carefully planned and implemented,' he said.

'Inner West Council seems to largely just make their own decisions and ignore community feedback. Not everyone even has space for (three) bins.'

Mr Shaw said the smell amidst the sweltering heat would be an issue. But, while his household is able to keep their bins away from their home, he felt bad for his neighbours who couldn't.

'We don't have babies, so no nappies in our bins, but there are plenty of young families around, and I feel sorry for them. With a very hot summer predicted, you'd think winter would be a more suitable time to trial this,' he argued.

In the post on social media, more and more residents are commenting to call out the council, calling their decision 'out of touch' and 'disastrous'.

'My red bin is full of nappies and cat litter every week. Inner city living means that our homes and blocks are small, so there's no space to store larger bins or new bins being rolled out. What do you propose we do?' wrote one woman.

Another agreed and added, 'My only spot where my bins fit is next to my kitchen. I eat a lot of seafood and have cat litter. My bins smell after a few days. I simply can't imagine what they would smell like after a week without collecting!'

A spokesperson for the Inner West Council said that despite the backlash, the environmental impact would be 'significant' and that the program would save ratepayers more than $370,000 per year in landfill needs.

Despite the scrutiny and doubt from some households, they emphasised that while this change may be 'challenging at first', it is worth it in the long run.

'Diverting food and garden waste from landfills is the single biggest thing we can do as a community to help combat climate change. After the initial rollout in October, we will review the data and have the resources to make modifications and changes if necessary.'

And for those concerned about odour issues, he suggested securely wrapping diapers, pads, period products, and pet waste before disposing of them in the red bin.

​

In March, we reported a similar incident, where residents of Greater Shepparton, a regional area north of Melbourne, weren't happy after their local council announced a significant change to the bin collection system.

Like the earlier story, red bins were announced to be collected fortnightly instead of weekly, sparking the same concerns.

'Do we just throw our garbage bags on the kerbside when the small bin gets full in the first week? This is just ridiculous,' one local commented on a Facebook post.

Another added, 'The council has this all wrong. Just leave it the way it is. Why change something that isn't broken?'

'It's going to be disgusting,' said a third. Read the full story here.

Some members also had a say in this matter. Member @Jennylolo argued, 'Bins shouldn't be overflowing for safety and health. But weekly red bins are often like this. I can't imagine if they were fortnightly.'

Member @PepeLePew was also in the same boat as some residents, saying: 'I live in Qld and would dread this happening here. I also rent, so I only have a small red lid bin that is pretty much filled up every week.'

Adding to the conversation, member @siameezer wrote, 'We have had this in my area of Melbourne for a couple of years now, and yes, it is a smelly inconvenience. Due to medical reasons, I have had to get a bigger red bin, and I am lucky that it actually lasts a fortnight before it is full.'

Member @Rowiee also offered another perspective, suggesting: 'It is basically forcing ratepayers to pay for a bigger red bin. More expense in this current climate.'

Key Takeaways

• Anger is rising over a Sydney council's decision to collect red lid bins fortnightly instead of weekly without consulting locals appropriately.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the smell, rodents and potential overflowing bins, particularly during the sweltering summer temperatures.
• The decision has been criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.
• An Inner West Council spokesman highlighted the environmental impact of the changes and emphasised that modifications and adjustments can be made after the initial October rollout.

Members, what are your thoughts on these stories? We also want to ask: What is the schedule for bin collection in your area? Has it been working for you and your lifestyle so far, or do you think something needs to change there as well? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

In the western suburbs we have had fortnightly collection of red and yellow bins for a number of years now with no problem. All waste like food, garden and paper wrapped dog poo goes in the green bin that is still picked up weekly. If people use the bins the right way there will be no stench, rodents or any other problems.

 

[Littleboy8]

I still have the good quality towelling nappies from when my grandies were babies ,if I remember correctly they are dri glo .Young ones these days go for the easy way out. Or maybe too lazy to spend the time washing .

Me thinks “LAZY”

 

[Gsr]

Our bins are collected weekly, in qld if you have seafood put in plastic bags and in the freezer until collection ,that’s what we do with prawn shells etc , so no smell .

Yep, I put any food scraps that can get smelly in the freezer until bin night then throw them in the bin. Saves a lot of stink and flies around the bin. We still have weekly collections, red bin for all food and general waste, plus one week yellow recycle bin and the alternate week green lid, green life bin. Works well so hopefully doesn’t change. A neighbouring council has 2nd weekly collections of red bins which creates a lot of stinky flyblown bins and families bins are always overflowing and lids don’t shut properly so more stinky flyblown rubbish to contend with.

 

[Littleboy8]

Yep, I put any food scraps that can get smelly in the freezer until bin night then throw them in the bin. Saves a lot of stink and flies around the bin. We still have weekly collections, red bin for all food and general waste, plus one week yellow recycle bin and the alternate week green lid, green life bin. Works well so hopefully doesn’t change. A neighbouring council has 2nd weekly collections of red bins which creates a lot of stinky flyblown bins and families bins are always overflowing and lids don’t shut properly so more stinky flyblown rubbish to contend with.

 

[Phantom55]

Locals in certain parts of Sydney's Inner West are worried that their streets might smell worse as the weather heats up due to changes in how garbage is collected.

Starting from October 9, residents in the Inner West Council area will have their red garbage bins—which will contain sanitary products, nappies and pet litter—emptied every two weeks instead of weekly.

Green bins, where they're required to put organic food and garden waste, will be collected every week.

People are worried that the new system could lead to more rodents in the area, overflowing bins, and horrific odours, especially with waste sitting in bins for a fortnight.

Some residents also feel there hasn't been enough discussion with the community about these changes. The decision was also criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.

The council says these changes will save money by reducing the use of landfills and helping the environment. They also want to reassure residents that these changes won't affect their fees.

View attachment 29705

Garbage services will soon begin to collect (general waste) red bins fortnightly rather than weekly. Credit: Shutterstock.

Dan Shaw, a local resident, said he only recently found out about the revised schedule after a heated post on a community Facebook group garnered an overwhelming response, with hundreds of reactions and comments pouring in.

'I'm annoyed at the lack of consultation and disclosure about the changes. While we need to support the environment and reduce waste, changes need to be carefully planned and implemented,' he said.

'Inner West Council seems to largely just make their own decisions and ignore community feedback. Not everyone even has space for (three) bins.'

Mr Shaw said the smell amidst the sweltering heat would be an issue. But, while his household is able to keep their bins away from their home, he felt bad for his neighbours who couldn't.

'We don't have babies, so no nappies in our bins, but there are plenty of young families around, and I feel sorry for them. With a very hot summer predicted, you'd think winter would be a more suitable time to trial this,' he argued.

In the post on social media, more and more residents are commenting to call out the council, calling their decision 'out of touch' and 'disastrous'.

'My red bin is full of nappies and cat litter every week. Inner city living means that our homes and blocks are small, so there's no space to store larger bins or new bins being rolled out. What do you propose we do?' wrote one woman.

Another agreed and added, 'My only spot where my bins fit is next to my kitchen. I eat a lot of seafood and have cat litter. My bins smell after a few days. I simply can't imagine what they would smell like after a week without collecting!'

A spokesperson for the Inner West Council said that despite the backlash, the environmental impact would be 'significant' and that the program would save ratepayers more than $370,000 per year in landfill needs.

Despite the scrutiny and doubt from some households, they emphasised that while this change may be 'challenging at first', it is worth it in the long run.

'Diverting food and garden waste from landfills is the single biggest thing we can do as a community to help combat climate change. After the initial rollout in October, we will review the data and have the resources to make modifications and changes if necessary.'

And for those concerned about odour issues, he suggested securely wrapping diapers, pads, period products, and pet waste before disposing of them in the red bin.

​

In March, we reported a similar incident, where residents of Greater Shepparton, a regional area north of Melbourne, weren't happy after their local council announced a significant change to the bin collection system.

Like the earlier story, red bins were announced to be collected fortnightly instead of weekly, sparking the same concerns.

'Do we just throw our garbage bags on the kerbside when the small bin gets full in the first week? This is just ridiculous,' one local commented on a Facebook post.

Another added, 'The council has this all wrong. Just leave it the way it is. Why change something that isn't broken?'

'It's going to be disgusting,' said a third. Read the full story here.

Some members also had a say in this matter. Member @Jennylolo argued, 'Bins shouldn't be overflowing for safety and health. But weekly red bins are often like this. I can't imagine if they were fortnightly.'

Member @PepeLePew was also in the same boat as some residents, saying: 'I live in Qld and would dread this happening here. I also rent, so I only have a small red lid bin that is pretty much filled up every week.'

Adding to the conversation, member @siameezer wrote, 'We have had this in my area of Melbourne for a couple of years now, and yes, it is a smelly inconvenience. Due to medical reasons, I have had to get a bigger red bin, and I am lucky that it actually lasts a fortnight before it is full.'

Member @Rowiee also offered another perspective, suggesting: 'It is basically forcing ratepayers to pay for a bigger red bin. More expense in this current climate.'

Key Takeaways

• Anger is rising over a Sydney council's decision to collect red lid bins fortnightly instead of weekly without consulting locals appropriately.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the smell, rodents and potential overflowing bins, particularly during the sweltering summer temperatures.
• The decision has been criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.
• An Inner West Council spokesman highlighted the environmental impact of the changes and emphasised that modifications and adjustments can be made after the initial October rollout.

Members, what are your thoughts on these stories? We also want to ask: What is the schedule for bin collection in your area? Has it been working for you and your lifestyle so far, or do you think something needs to change there as well? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

too bad we got rid of the free supermarket bags..the garbage used to be thrown in and tied before putting them in the bin...now straight into the bin unwrapped, im not paying 30c to put my rubbish in... I reuse them. (I think the bag situation was only thought about from the supermarket point of view)

 

[Ashbeare]

Locals in certain parts of Sydney's Inner West are worried that their streets might smell worse as the weather heats up due to changes in how garbage is collected.

Starting from October 9, residents in the Inner West Council area will have their red garbage bins—which will contain sanitary products, nappies and pet litter—emptied every two weeks instead of weekly.

Green bins, where they're required to put organic food and garden waste, will be collected every week.

People are worried that the new system could lead to more rodents in the area, overflowing bins, and horrific odours, especially with waste sitting in bins for a fortnight.

Some residents also feel there hasn't been enough discussion with the community about these changes. The decision was also criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.

The council says these changes will save money by reducing the use of landfills and helping the environment. They also want to reassure residents that these changes won't affect their fees.

View attachment 29705

Garbage services will soon begin to collect (general waste) red bins fortnightly rather than weekly. Credit: Shutterstock.

Dan Shaw, a local resident, said he only recently found out about the revised schedule after a heated post on a community Facebook group garnered an overwhelming response, with hundreds of reactions and comments pouring in.

'I'm annoyed at the lack of consultation and disclosure about the changes. While we need to support the environment and reduce waste, changes need to be carefully planned and implemented,' he said.

'Inner West Council seems to largely just make their own decisions and ignore community feedback. Not everyone even has space for (three) bins.'

Mr Shaw said the smell amidst the sweltering heat would be an issue. But, while his household is able to keep their bins away from their home, he felt bad for his neighbours who couldn't.

'We don't have babies, so no nappies in our bins, but there are plenty of young families around, and I feel sorry for them. With a very hot summer predicted, you'd think winter would be a more suitable time to trial this,' he argued.

In the post on social media, more and more residents are commenting to call out the council, calling their decision 'out of touch' and 'disastrous'.

'My red bin is full of nappies and cat litter every week. Inner city living means that our homes and blocks are small, so there's no space to store larger bins or new bins being rolled out. What do you propose we do?' wrote one woman.

Another agreed and added, 'My only spot where my bins fit is next to my kitchen. I eat a lot of seafood and have cat litter. My bins smell after a few days. I simply can't imagine what they would smell like after a week without collecting!'

A spokesperson for the Inner West Council said that despite the backlash, the environmental impact would be 'significant' and that the program would save ratepayers more than $370,000 per year in landfill needs.

Despite the scrutiny and doubt from some households, they emphasised that while this change may be 'challenging at first', it is worth it in the long run.

'Diverting food and garden waste from landfills is the single biggest thing we can do as a community to help combat climate change. After the initial rollout in October, we will review the data and have the resources to make modifications and changes if necessary.'

And for those concerned about odour issues, he suggested securely wrapping diapers, pads, period products, and pet waste before disposing of them in the red bin.

​

In March, we reported a similar incident, where residents of Greater Shepparton, a regional area north of Melbourne, weren't happy after their local council announced a significant change to the bin collection system.

Like the earlier story, red bins were announced to be collected fortnightly instead of weekly, sparking the same concerns.

'Do we just throw our garbage bags on the kerbside when the small bin gets full in the first week? This is just ridiculous,' one local commented on a Facebook post.

Another added, 'The council has this all wrong. Just leave it the way it is. Why change something that isn't broken?'

'It's going to be disgusting,' said a third. Read the full story here.

Some members also had a say in this matter. Member @Jennylolo argued, 'Bins shouldn't be overflowing for safety and health. But weekly red bins are often like this. I can't imagine if they were fortnightly.'

Member @PepeLePew was also in the same boat as some residents, saying: 'I live in Qld and would dread this happening here. I also rent, so I only have a small red lid bin that is pretty much filled up every week.'

Adding to the conversation, member @siameezer wrote, 'We have had this in my area of Melbourne for a couple of years now, and yes, it is a smelly inconvenience. Due to medical reasons, I have had to get a bigger red bin, and I am lucky that it actually lasts a fortnight before it is full.'

Member @Rowiee also offered another perspective, suggesting: 'It is basically forcing ratepayers to pay for a bigger red bin. More expense in this current climate.'

Key Takeaways

• Anger is rising over a Sydney council's decision to collect red lid bins fortnightly instead of weekly without consulting locals appropriately.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the smell, rodents and potential overflowing bins, particularly during the sweltering summer temperatures.
• The decision has been criticised as a 'one-size-fits-all approach' that does not consider the specific circumstances of different suburbs and households.
• An Inner West Council spokesman highlighted the environmental impact of the changes and emphasised that modifications and adjustments can be made after the initial October rollout.

Members, what are your thoughts on these stories? We also want to ask: What is the schedule for bin collection in your area? Has it been working for you and your lifestyle so far, or do you think something needs to change there as well? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Welcome to the real world. Now you have to do what Westies have done for decades. Tough Titties.

 

[Ezzy]

So, if the Council is downgrading the humble rubbish bin pick from weekly to fortnightly... does this mean we will receive a discount... after all, non service costs them nothing?

The council stated there would be no increase in Council fees. Big hearted of them. Give less for the same rates.

 

[Ezzy]

Doesn't sound like an ideal situation. In the W.A. Suburb where l live we have a yellow topped bin for recyclables, emptied fortnightly & usually half to three quarter full & a green bin which can be less than one quarter full emptied weekly. Food wastes go to the earthworms.

Cardboard cartons are squashed before binning & large cartons are ripped into small pieces before being placed in the bin.

 

[Pat T]

Me thinks “LAZY”

Wonder how many of the environment protesters use cloth nappies?

 

[Robbo3006]

We live in Brisbane & do just the same as you. Everything, including food scraps (raw or cooked) are put into the freezer until bin day & then disposed of. No smell, no cockroaches, no flies or ants in the bin to cause a nuisance and health issues. Admittedly that does not fix the issue of baby nappies or personal products that southerners have. Don’t know their solution.

What if you don't have room in your freezer or don't want rubbish in your freezer.

 

[Robbo3006]

Wonder how many of the environment protesters use cloth nappies?

None, My Granddaughter was amused watching me hang clothes in the line, when I asked my daughter what's the go with her, she said, she's never seen someone hang clothes on the line, we use the drier, but whines about me driving coz I'm old.

 

[Littleboy8]

None, My Granddaughter was amused watching me hang clothes in the line, when I asked my daughter what's the go with her, she said, she's never seen someone hang clothes on the line, we use the drier, but whines about me driving coz I'm old.

 

[Littleboy8]

What if you don't have room in your freezer or don't want rubbish in your freezer.

Bury it in the backyard

 

[Leenie]

too bad we got rid of the free supermarket bags..the garbage used to be thrown in and tied before putting them in the bin...now straight into the bin unwrapped, im not paying 30c to put my rubbish in... I reuse them. (I think the bag situation was only thought about from the supermarket point of view)

And they are still flogging plastic ,we are the losers.

 

[Leenie]

What if you don't have room in your freezer or don't want rubbish in your freezer.

I have seen people take their rubbish and put in council bins at night ,and think they haven’t been seen, now council has signs on the bins and that doesn’t stop them from doing it.

 

[PattiB]

I lived in tassie for over 20 years and it was always weekly even on the west coast.

Still is every where I’ve lived Tassie.

 

[Pat T]

None, My Granddaughter was amused watching me hang clothes in the line, when I asked my daughter what's the go with her, she said, she's never seen someone hang clothes on the line, we use the drier, but whines about me driving coz I'm old.

Had a dryer once.
after being 2 years in the garage , my daughter needed one so gladly gave it to her.Rarely wash when the weather isn’t sunny. Then it goes on the patio.

 

[Leenie]

Had a dryer once.
after being 2 years in the garage , my daughter needed one so gladly gave it to her.Rarely wash when the weather isn’t sunny. Then it goes on the patio.

Yep my dryer had little use over 30 + years now my granddaughter has it as her rental in Brisbane has only a little line ,so is finally getting some use. I prefer my washing in the sun.

 

[Leenie]

None, My Granddaughter was amused watching me hang clothes in the line, when I asked my daughter what's the go with her, she said, she's never seen someone hang clothes on the line, we use the drier, but whines about me driving coz I'm old.

That would mean they would have to do something useful ! That would interfere with their disrupting life of everyone else.