But utilities director Grant Moller says processes are being put in place to deal with any problems associated with waiting times, storage areas and staffing numbers.

The free disposal weekend on May 5 and 6 at waste centres in Goulburn, Marulan and Tarago is for domestic mattresses, fridges, air conditioners and e-waste such as televisions, computers, printers, fax machines and computer accessories only 

The service replaces the bulky waste clean-up service from households. Councillors decided at their December 12 meeting to abandon the pick-up in favour of two free waste disposal weekends throughout the year. 

Mr Moller said although councillors decided at that meeting to negotiate with service clubs to assist with the weekends, this was intended to be for the bulky waste free weekend in November. These negotiations are continuing.

”Notwithstanding, community members who are unable to get refrigerators, e-waste, air-conditioners and mattresses to a waste centre on May 5 and 6 are encouraged to contact local waste disposal companies or handyman companies, some of which have expressed interest to council in providing waste disposal assistance over the free weekend,” he reported to Tuesday’s meeting.

Loads are limited to two refrigerators, two mattresses, one air conditioner and one cubic metre of e-waste. All other loads will be charged as per the council’s fees and charges.  Each waste centre will have extended opening hours across Saturday and Sunday, opening from 7am to 4pm. 

“Previously residents had no opportunity to dispose of mattresses, fridges, air conditioners and e-waste without cost as this type of waste was not included in our council clean-up week,” Mayor Bob Kirk said. 

​Meantime, the council will again be offering the autumn leaf collection service to residents starting on April 30 and ending June 25. Reusable bags, limited to three per residence, are available from the Civic Centre. Residents are asked to leave their address with Council’s Customer Service team for collection. This can be done in person or by calling 4823 4444.

Council staff will collect bags from residences on Monday morning only. People are asked to leave the bags out for collection before 7am. The service is restricted to leaves; grass clippings, household rubbish and other garden refuse are not permitted. Bags should be tied securely and placed on the footpath so as not to obstruct pedestrians, vehicles or driver vision.