However, Orange City Council has not yet named a date for when it would apply.

Ratepayers would save $47.65 with the free trip.

At council's meeting last week late December or January were mentioned as possible dates.

Council was told the re-introduced annual collection of bulky waste from nature strips would take place through February.

Cr Kevin Duffy said it was a way of rewarding ratepayers after a tough year.

He initially proposed the service be available last weekend but council agreed to put it back.

"People are starting to do clean outs now and move around," he said.

"It is a great opportunity to show a bit of faith in our residents and ratepayers for putting up with a tough year."

Cr Duffy said it would effectively replace efforts to have a second bulky waste collection this year.

He said he expected that would be on the agenda for council next year.

"I have received many a phone call about 'Hey, why aren't we having a second collection," he said.

Cr Tony Mileto said he wanted more information about how much it would cost council.

Cr Joanne McRae said she was concerned council staff would be overwhelmed by the demand at such short notice.

She said that included demand from people visiting the recycling shop.

Cr McRae said it would be useful after Christmas when people needed to get rid of packaging.

Cr Jeff Whitton said council had done this 'many, many times' before and he believed staff would be able to handle the demand.

Cr Sam Romano said it should be limited to household waste to ensure builders and others did not use it to get rid of commercial loads.

Cr Glenn Taylor said ratepayers should be given more notice of when the free weekend would be held.

"I fully support the motion, but not the timing," he said.

Orange residents will be able to swim for free at the Aquatic Centre on Australia Day.

Cr Duffy said the free day had been held last year and should be held again.

He said it would benefit ratepayers after the drought, COVID-19 restrictions and water restrictions.

"We have [also] had rate increases for which we haven't given any leniency to at all," he said.

Council was told it would cost them about $5075 which was the normal total of entry fees at that time of year.

Cr Jason Hamling said it was a good way for people to enjoy Australia Day and the Aquatic Centre's facilities.