Welcome to the Waste Management section of the Dorset Council website.
We have endeavoured to include all information relating to the queries you might have on waste management here.
If you have queries in relation to our kerbside collection services for general garbage and recyclables please click here.
We hope this section will be helpful. If there's anything else with which we can be of assistance please feel free to call us on (03) 6352 6500.
| 1. What is waste management? |
Waste management is an area of core business for councils. It encompasses all activities and services that revolve around collecting, disposing and reducing waste. In dealing with waste management, council uses the most effective technologies and methods available while also striving to protect environmental and public health.
All Tasmanian councils run some form of garbage collection and recycling services and operate waste transfer stations and/or landfill sites.
Dorset Council runs three waste transfer stations which help to ensure the management of waste is handled in an environmentally acceptable way.
In Northern Tasmania, waste management activities are promoted by region north! This organisation involves Northern Councils and works to implement a Waste Management Strategy for Northern Tasmania. Dorset Council is an active member of this organisation.
The Organisation runs a number of programs and educational activities including:
| 2. What legislation governs waste management? |
Waste management activities by councils are generally controlled by three main pieces of legislation:
The Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA) deals with pollution issues and under Section 20(a) requires councils to prevent or control pollution. Under Section 44 it allows councils to issue Environmental Protection Notices (EPN) and to ensure new businesses or activities do not cause environmental harm.
Environmental harm is defined as 'any adverse effect on the environment.' EMPCA defines three levels of environmental harm:
EMPCA also governs most of the State Government's activities in relation to waste management. The Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE) looks after waste and recycling and their web site has some very good information.
The Local Government Act 1993 is the main piece of legislation that controls how councils operate and what functions and roles they must perform. Section 20 details the functions and powers of councils. Section 93(1)(d) allows councils to set a service rate for garbage removal, while Sections 145 to 174 allow councils to make by-laws and set out the procedures for doing so. Section 199 to 204 allow councils to take action against a person that may be causing a 'nuisance.'
'Nuisance' is defined as anything that is likely to cause danger or harm to the health, safety or welfare of anyone, or unreasonable or excessive levels of noise or pollution.
The Litter Act 1973 (No. 13 of 1973) authorises council officers to take action against persons found to be littering and describes actions that can be taken and penalties that may apply. More detailed but easy to read information about environmental laws in general can be found in 'The Environmental Law Handbook - Your Practical Guide to Tasmania's Environmental Protection and Planning Laws' 2nd edition, produced by the Environmental Defenders Office (Tas) Inc. (EDO). It is available from most major bookstores and Service Tasmania centres or contact the EDO directly on Ph: 6223 2770, email: edotas@trump.net.au.
| 3. Where are my local waste disposal sites and when are the open? |
Dorset Council operates three waste transfer stations. These are located at Scottsdale (Bridport Road), Branxholm (Ruby Flat Road) and Gladstone (Cemetery Road).
Council waste transfer sites must meet the requirements of the Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 and associated regulations as well as the Public Health Act 1997. They also provide convenient disposal facilities to households, businesses and industry.
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Scottsdale Ph: (03) 6352 3402 |
Branxholm Ph: (03) 6354 6372 |
Gladstone Ph: (03) 6357 2199 |
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Monday |
10.00 am - 2.00 pm |
Closed |
Closed* |
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Tuesday |
Closed |
Closed |
Closed |
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Wednesday |
9.00 am - 5.00 pm |
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm |
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm |
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Thursday |
Closed |
Closed |
Closed |
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Friday |
9.00 am - 5.00 pm |
Closed |
Closed |
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Saturday |
9.00 am - 5.00 pm |
9.00 am - 5.00 pm |
8.00 am - 4.00 pm |
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Sunday |
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm |
1.00 pm - 5.00 pm |
10.00 am - 5.00 pm |
*(Open on Mondays that fall on public holidays)
Fees and charges for 2007/2008.
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Uncovered Refuse |
Small Trailor or Ute (6' x 4') |
$8.50 Each* |
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Large Trailor or Ute (Greater 6' x 4') |
$17.00 Each* |
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Covered or Restrained Refuse |
Small Trailor or Ute (6' x 4') |
$5.50 |
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Large Trailor or Ute (Greater 6' x 4') |
$14.00 |
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Car Boot/Van/Station Wagon |
$4.00 |
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50 Litre Garbage Bag |
$1.50 each |
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Trade Waste greater 4 cubic meters |
Uncompacted |
$17.00 per cubic meter |
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Truck Compacted |
$50.00 per cubic meter |
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Other Seperated Waste less 2 cubic meters |
Seperated Recyclable Paper, Cardboard, Aliminium Cans, Steel Cans, Plastic and Glass |
Free of Charge |
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Triple Rinsed Chemical Containers |
Free of Charge |
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Car/Motor Bike Tyre |
$3.00 Each |
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Light Truck Tyre |
$6.00 Each |
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Large Truck/Plant Tyre |
$12.00 Each |
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Motor Vehicle Bodies |
$25.00 |
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Builders Rubble/m3 |
$8.50 |
| 5. What items can I recycle and where do I take them? |
See Question 4 "What items can I put in the kerbside recycling bin?" in the Waste Collection FAQ for further details.
The Waste Transfer Station contractors recycle a range of materials at the Scottsdale, Branxholm and Gladstone sites.
Items that can be recycled at these centres are:
Items that cannot be collected as part of the kerbside recyclables collection service include:
If you have any queries re the recycling service please contact Dorset Council on (03) 63526500.
Information about other recycling businesses, including contact details, can be found in the Tasmanian Waste Recovery and Recycling directory on the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment (DPIWE) website.
This directory lists all the recycling businesses in the State by the type of material they collect. Information about drop off points for recyclable materials in each council area is also included.
| 6. If I need to get a replacement recycling bin or crate, what must I do? |
Dorset Council will generally replace bins and recycling crates upon request and when a person has genuinely lost a bin or had it stolen or damaged.
Bins and recycling crates should only be used for garbage collection and the collection of recyclables and are not issued for use as general household storage containers.
If you move house, the bin and crate should not be taken with you.
| 7. What is regarded as acceptable and non-acceptable waste? |
Generally, acceptable waste includes:
If you have a query regarding what can be accepted at the waste transfer stations contact Dorset Council on 63526500.
Generally, non-acceptable waste includes:
| 8. What can I do with non-acceptable waste? |
There are two main landfill sites licensed to take Controlled or non-acceptable waste. These are Port Latta in the North West, and Dulverton in the North. A third site - the Hobart City Council site at McRobies Gully can take limited Controlled Waste such as some medical waste and quarantine waste.
It is always wise to contact the waste management officers at the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment to ask their advise before you dispose of any Controlled Waste or if you are unsure if your waste is considered 'Controlled Waste' or not.
A number of waste removal businesses licensed to remove such waste operate around the State. Contact details for these businesses are listed in the Yellow Pages under Waste Reduction and Disposal Services.
| 9. What can I do with empty chemical containers? |
drumMUSTER is the national program for the collection and recycling of empty, cleaned, non-returnable, crop production and on-farm animal health chemical containers. Many councils act as the collection agency for these containers and organise an annual or bi-annual collection of empty and rinsed chemical containers.
The containers must be:
This should be done immediately after emptying the container, before any residue has a chance to dry and harden.
Further information is available on the safe disposal of chemicals.
Dorset Council participates in the Drum Muster collection program. Contact Dorset Council on 63526500 for further information.
| 10. How should I store chemicals? |
Only buy enough for immediate use to reduce the need to store quantities of chemicals. When they must be stored, always label with the date of storage and note the useby date.
Keep chemicals in a secure storage area out of reach of children and animals.
Store away from heat and moisture and place on trays or mats that can collect any spills or leaks.
Make sure the container is maintained in good condition.
Do not mix chemicals together.
When using chemicals read and follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid direct contact with skin - wear gloves and protective clothing.
| 11. How can I reduce the amount of waste I produce? |
Waste can be reduced by:
It is estimated that garden and food waste accounts for over 50% of household waste. Mulching and composting can make a significant difference in reducing such waste.
Using mulch and compost in the garden have the added benefits of boosting soil fertility and conserving soil moisture.
Green Waste
Green waste means grass clippings, leaves and also tree prunings. Green waste is collected and stockpiled at waste transfer stations. When leaving green waste at such centres, it is important to ensure it does not have other general garbage mixed with it.
Home Composting
Home composting is a good way to significantly reduce your household waste. When composted, food waste and garden clippings decompose to make a great mulch for your garden.
You can either make your own compost heap in a shady part of your garden or use a compost bin. Compost bins can be purchased at most hardware stores and some councils provide them to their ratepayers at a discount.
Items that can be added to compost include:
The compost should be added in layers, with a layer of food scraps ideally being covered with a layer of grass clippings or leaves.
The following items are not suitable for composting:
The compost needs moisture and air to decompose effectively. To achieve this, turn it regularly and make sure it is always kept reasonably moist, without being waterlogged.
Worm Farms
Worm farms are another way to reduce food and garden waste. Worm castings that result from the worm's decomposition of waste, also make an excellent soil conditioner for your garden.
As with compost heaps, a worm farm should be placed in a cool and shady part of the garden. The worms need:
This pH level can usually be achieved quite easily by ensuring a layer of green waste or moist paper or cardboard is regularly added with the food waste. Ensure that paper waste is not bleached or contaminated with any chemicals. Newspapers and cardboard from food packaging are ideal.
Most hardware stores and garden centres sell worm farms and worms and will give you advice about how to look after them.
| 12. What can I do with liquid (trade) waste? |
If you are not in a reticulated sewerage area, most household waste is disposed of via the sewerage or waste water systems, or via septic tanks. However, grease, oils, solvents and chemicals (basically anything except human sewage) should not be put directly into such systems.
If you operate a business that produces quantities of such materials and they are discharged directly into the sewer, they can:
Such waste is often called trade waste and depending on the type of waste in question, councils require such waste to be managed through grease traps, holding tanks or oil and silt traps. Often councils require an industry operator to enter into a Trade Waste Agreement or obtain a Permit that details what the business is allowed to discharge to the sewer and under what terms and conditions. Also, trade waste charges that councils often impose on businesses depend on the volume and type of waste being discharged.
Please contact Dorset council for any further information regarding requirements in relation to discharging trade waste to the sewer.
Council obligations in dealing with liquid waste are generally specified under The Environmental Management and Pollution Control Act 1994 (EMPCA).
EMPCA requires a council to ensure it disposes of liquid waste in a way that does not cause environmental harm.
If a council operates a treatment plant with a volume:
Normal domestic waste is disposed of via a council's sewerage system or via septic tanks in unsewered areas. In recent years biocycle systems or little mini sewerage treatment plants have been approved for areas unsuitable for the conventional septic tank.
Council responsibilities for liquid waste disposal are detailed in the Sewers and Drains Act 1954 and the Plumbing Regulations 1994.
The Sewers and Drains Act describes the type of matter that can be discharged into a sewer system while the Plumbing Regulations control more detailed activities councils can undertake to manage and maintain the sewerage system, including the use of trade waste permits.
Schedule 3 of the Plumbing Regulations lists substances that cannot be discharged into the sewer and include any materials that might cause harm to the sewerage treatment plant or to the waters receiving the waste. The following specific substances are listed:
Schedule 4 of the Plumbing Regulations sets the standards for liquid trade wastes that can be discharged to sewers.
Breach of these regulations incurs:
These standards and penalties vary under sub regulation (2) of the Plumbing Regulations.
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