Cleaning up the Great Lakes

With the annual bulk clean-up due to begin in early May, MidCoast Council is suggesting households familiarise themselves with guidelines for waste collection.

Before you start putting items out on your kerb think about whether it could be re-homed instead and check the date for collection in your zone, MidCoast Council waste program co-ordinator, Amy Hill said.

Waste must be separated into two piles - one for scrap metal and whitegoods and a separate pile for general and electronic waste - and placed out two days before the scheduled pick-up.

Any earlier and it will be considered illegal dumping and could result in a fine.

Collections in the Great Lakes region from begin from Monday, May 4.

"We know that our residents always look forward to the bulky waste clean-up because it's a great opportunity to dispose of those big, unwanted items without having to leave home," Ms Hill said.

"If everyone gets organised and complies with the guidelines, not only will everything run smoothly for all involved, but you'll help prevent our neighbourhoods looking like a tip."

Also coming up:

Waste piles should be placed neatly on the roadside where bins are normally collected and should not obstruct the footpath or roadway.

Each of the two piles must not exceed a standard trailer, or it may be rejected.

And, to avoid windblown littering, loose items must be tied securely into bundles with rope or string or contained in sturdy boxes rather than plastic bags.

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