Tamworth Council Plans Major Overhaul of Household Waste Services

Tamworth Regional Council is proposing a suite of changes to curb household waste disposal costs. The plan would reduce the number of free waste vouchers available to residents and cap voucher‑eligible waste at 500 kg, while the council will not resume the previous bulky‑goods collection.

The council also aims to increase the Waste Wagon service from two to three days per week and to trial a bag system that limits each collection to a two‑cubic‑metre bag. The existing two‑day service costs about $120,000 annually; adding a third day is estimated at an extra $60,000. Each Waste Wagon booking includes a $25 subsidised collection fee and the surrender of one voucher.

The last bulky‑goods collection in Tamworth and surrounding areas was in June 2021. The current kerbside contract with Cleanaway runs until June 2028 and does not cover bulky‑goods pickups. Re‑introducing such a service was quoted at $830,000, and the council notes insufficient funds in its Waste Reserve to cover the cost.