Councillors on Tuesday night voted to model a trial system for one free bulky waste disposal at the Ophir Road Resource Recovery Centre a year, limited to a 1.8-metre by 2.4-metre trailer or a utility load.

Councillor Kevin Duffy said the report was an admission the council had got it wrong in cutting the free collection service last year.

“It’s saying the ratepayers do need this service,” he said.

Cr Duffy remained concerned about those who did not have access to a ute or a trailer, but said a voucher system was a step in the right direction.

Two free waste disposal days, on May 7 and November 5, were held in support of efforts to cut illegal dumping at Kinross State Forest.

In May, 406 patrons dropped off 93.6 tonnes of mixed waste, costing the council $12,540 in lost income.

In November, 629 residents delivered 153.2 tonnes of waste, which cost the council $20,363.

The report to councillors said there was a user-pays bulky waste collection service, but at $206, it might be unaffordable for some residents and if councillors wanted an alternative, it would be prudent to set a limit of one free drop-off a household. 

Fellow councillor Jeff Whitton said illegal dumping continued to be a problem in the Springside area and he often had to report incidents to the council.

“The council does go through that waste for any identification and people need to be aware that people do see them and they will dob them in,” he said.

He said other councils used vouchers or strategically-located skip bins and either would be a solution.