FAQs

In October 2023, the Watkins Road Waste and Recycling Transfer Station (WTS) in Mundijong was closed to the public due to asbestos findings. Although consultants determined the asbestos was non-fibrous and poses low risk to staff and residents, the WTS remains closed as remediation is needed before reopening is possible.

Three options have been provided for the future of the Waste Transfer Station:

1. Remediate the site, reopen with limited green and bulk waste drop-offs available to residents
2. Remediate the site, reopen with limited green waste drop-offs available to residents
3. Remediate the site and don’t reopen it for public use.

There are vast differences in the cost viability of each option, which will likely have a financial impact on ratepayers over the next five years. This is why it’s vital we collect resident feedback on the most preferred option, noting the cost implications of each.

During the closure of the WTS, the Shire introduced several measures to support residents in managing their green and bulky waste:

• A green waste collection in November-December 2023
• Two City of Armadale tip passes for bulky hard waste disposal, valid between November 2023 and January 2024
• A new contract for green waste verge collections in April and October for the next 2 – 3 years. Click here for more details
• A one-off extra green waste collection service in July 2024
• A pre-booked hard waste verge collection service with 2 bookings per household per annum for the next 2 - 3 years. Click here for more details 
• An arrangement with City of Armadale for residents to drop-off recyclables and household hazardous waste for free at the Armadale Landfill and Recycling Centre. Click here for more details.

As a result of environmental investigations, the area marked in red below has been identified as the Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Rehabilitation Area. Further details on the report can be found here.

It is to be noted that prior to commencing operations at the Transfer Station, the existing stockpiles in the ACM Rehabilitation Area will need to be cleared and the subject area appropriately capped. Estimates for the screening and removal of stockpiles, disposal of contaminated wastes, site works, and re-capping works have been estimated at approximately $3 million.

FOGO stands for food organics and garden organics and is an additional bin added to the weekly waste collection schedule. Council considered a report on introducing this system to the Shire in August 2024. The report highlighted the prohibitive costs and likely issues with contamination, inconvenience (general rubbish moves to a fortnightly collection schedule) and low recovery rates. Based on this information and the expected costs related to the remediation and potential redesign works, Council resolved not to introduce FOGO. Instead, Council has requested a report outlining options and costs related to the introduction of a home composting rebate system for residents.

A bulk waste verge side collection is where a contractor (employed on behalf of the Shire) collects bulk waste from your verge at designated times throughout the year. This includes items such as furniture, white goods, and other large household items. For more information click here.  

A green waste verge side collection is where a contractor (employed on behalf of the Shire) picks up green waste from your verge at designated times throughout the year. There are currently no limits on volume while the Waste Transfer Station is closed. For more information click here: https://www.sjshire.wa.gov.au/green-waste-verge-collections.aspx

Previously, the transfer station operated with minimal restrictions on both visitor access and the types and volumes of waste accepted. While this system was popular with some residents, it became unsustainable for several reasons:

• Rising Costs: Operating costs far exceeded expectations, with annual costs projected at $1.4 million if the station continues as before.
• Space Limitations: The site has limited space and was not fit for the purpose of a transfer station, resulting a number of health and safety hazards.
• Waste Management Issues: The lack of restrictions encouraged increased waste disposal rather than recycling, which was contrary to the station’s original purpose.

To ensure the transfer station can operate sustainably in the future, the Shire would need to limit the amount of waste accepted. This would involve providing residents with a set amount of free waste disposal and charging for any additional volume— a standard practice at metro facilities

Concept Option 1 (limited services, restricted volumes and passes)

• Costs:
  • Site servicing: $500,000
  • Green waste and drainage waste removal (offsite): $400,000
  • Verge collections and illegal dumping: $900,000 

Concept Option 2 (All services at WTS with volume limits and restricted passes)

• Costs:
  • WTS operations: $1 million per year
  • Green waste and drainage waste (onsite): $400,000
  • Reduced verge collections: $520,000