Bulky waste collection: Lake Macquarie City Council proposes pick-up by appointment in first change to service in 25 years

Instead of chucking bulk waste out with the rest of the suburb, residents will be able to book a pick-up date that suits them as early as next year.

The system will give the public more flexibility, the council's waste services manager Paul Collins said, in line with other local government areas across the state.

"Whether it's home renovations, spring cleaning or moving house, there are many occasions where people would rather have bulk waste collected at a time convenient to them," he said.

"Every resident gets to make their own choice based on what best suits their needs."

The council wants feedback on the changes to the twice-yearly bulk waste collection, which will still allow each household to dispose of two cubic metres of waste twice a year.

Those who don't want a pick-up can collect two vouchers a year to drop the rubbish off at the Awaba Waste Management Facility - or drop four cubic metres off in one go.

It's the first time changes have been made to the service in at least 25 years.

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The new system is expected to significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfill each year, according to the council.

Mr Collins estimates it will save an average of $500,000 a year in the next decade.

"This will enable us to implement bulk waste reuse and additional resource recovery initiatives," he said.

The proposal won't impact the usual red, yellow and green bin pick-up.

The council collects bulk waste in separate streams and turns green waste into mulch and compost, while e-waste and mattresses are taken apart and recycled where possible.

Just last year more than 11,200 tonnes of bulk waste went into landfill, while 1450 tonnes were able to be recycled.

The proposed changes are up for community consultation and members of the public can have their say until April 18, Mr Collins said.

"We're asking the community to provide feedback about how they currently use the bulk waste service, how they might use the service in future, and what some of their other waste disposal and recycling habits are," he said.

To comment on the proposed changes, visit the council's website.

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