Central Coast Council has lifted its temporary pause on bulk kerbside collections almost four weeks ahead of schedule, thanks to changed COVID-19 regulations.
Council announced on April 14 it had suspended the service for six weeks due to COVID-related staff shortages at contractor Cleanaway.
But bookings have now been reinstated through a phased process whereby collections are capped at a daily limit and residents can book the next available date.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Boris Bolgoff, said the change to close contact isolation requirements allowed staff to get out of isolation and back to work sooner than expected.
“Over the last two weeks, Council and Cleanaway allocated additional trucks and drivers to address a backlog of almost 6000 outstanding bulk collections,” he said.
“Drivers were tasked to work additional hours, including long weekends, to ensure the service could be reinstated as soon as possible.”
Bolgoff said a phased approach to reopening bookings would help manage resource availability while some staff shortages were still being experienced.
“Staff shortages due to COVID are a nationwide issue affecting the entire service industry, and the nature of this pandemic indicates this remains a constantly evolving situation,” he said.
“Council thanks the community for their patience and cooperation during this time.”
New bulk waste kerbside collection bookings can be made at 1Coast.com.au.
Residents can book the next available collection date, which may be a few weeks from the date of booking.
Do not place items out in front of properties until the day before a confirmed booking.
For details contact 1 Coast on 1300 1Coast (1300 126 278).
Source: Media release, May 2, 2022 Central Coast Council