After months of delays to Nedlands’ bulk waste verge collections, the city could be switching to a pricier on-demand model, but the service isn’t expected to start until next year.
Residents have raised concerns over significant delays to their verge collections, which were scheduled to occur in late 2026.
But an unexpected spike in contractor costs led the city to seek a new “cost-effective” bulk waste collection service, likely pushing the program back to early 2027.
“The delay has occurred following changes to the city’s existing bulk waste collection contract,” the city wrote on its website.
“While the city had anticipated the contract would continue for a further year, a review of the contract arrangements and associated costs identified the need to undertake a new procurement process to ensure the city continues to receive value for money and a sustainable service for residents.”
During discussions to extend the service, the previous contractor proposed a rate increase that was not included in the initial contract.
In a report to council, city staff said this was “excessive and unjustifiable” and council should seek a new contractor.
The city put out a tender request in June for new contractors to complete bulk waste collection and disposal services. It would consider three options: scheduled loose verge bi-annual collections, on-demand loose verge collections or on-demand containerised collections.
A spokesperson confirmed the tender process has been completed and a recommendation will be presented to council at next week’s meeting.
Three submissions were received for the on-demand loose verge collection option. None were received for the previous scheduled collection system.
Under the new system, residents would be entitled to two bulk waste collections up to three cubic metres (size restrictions excluding mattresses and e-waste) and two bulk green waste collections up to three cubic metres.
Based on other local governments, the expected resident participation rate is 40 per cent.
The estimated annual cost to the city is about $726,262, including collection, transport and disposal. This would equate to about $3.6 million over the potential five-year term, including extension options.
This would be an increase from the previous scheduled collection model, which cost the city about $490,494 last year. The annual cost per dwelling would also increase from $58.39 to $86.46.
City officers said in a report to council it would improve amenity in Nedlands and reduce illegal dumping.
“By transitioning to a pre-booked system, material will no longer be presented across entire suburbs for weeks at a time,” they said.
“The short presentation and rapid collection windows will discourage undesirable behaviours associated with the traditional scheduled service, specifically illegal dumping and scavenging.
“Furthermore, residents will no longer be restricted to fixed annual scheduled dates, providing them with the flexibility to request a collection at a time convenient to them.”
All submissions included collection and transportation, but none included waste disposal.
The city will issue a new tender specifically for disposal services to re-test the market. Interim disposal will remain available at the West Metro Recycling Centre in Shenton Park.
To support residents through the transition, the city will also investigate options to provide tip passes to dispose of bulk and green waste outside the on-demand service.
The Town of Claremont still uses a bi-annual bulk waste and green waste verge collection service. The town is split into four zones with different collection days, costing approximately $255,000 per year.
Neighbouring councils in Cottesloe and Mosman Park switched to verge valet in 2020, allowing residents to book bulk or green waste collections on specific dates.
The service is provided by Western Metropolitan Regional Council.
The Town of Mosman Park has budgeted $366,300 this year for verge valet, which includes resident pick-ups and collecting illegal dumping, while Cottesloe has budgeted $260,000.
“Verge valet provides residents with a fast, reliable, and flexible waste collection service,” a Town of Cottesloe spokesperson told the Western Suburbs Weekly. “Residents can choose a collection date that suits their needs and schedules.
“The service reduces the time waste remains on verges by minimising the period between set-out and collection. The on-demand model helps reduce health and safety risks for both residents and collection staff, and can support the prompt removal of illegally dumped waste, helping maintain clean and safe public spaces.”
The City of Subiaco and its residents, who are also currently grappling with the issue, will return to booked hard waste collections after council refused to pay double for their current scheduled collection service.
At the city’s Tuesday night meeting, councillors backed the officers’ recommendation to reject the only bid for its bulk hard waste collection contract.
The report said the submission was “over twice what the city currently spends on the service” and “is not deemed value for money”.
They recommended the city contract the Western Metropolitan Regional Council to provide a resident-booked verge valet service twice a year.
This is expected to save the city about $28,600 annually compared with its existing set-date collection contract, which ends on December 7.
The Town of Cambridge and the City of Stirling also use the on-demand service with the City of Perth using a bi-yearly scheduled collection service.