Cambridge's new verge collection

Town of Cambridge Council have approved a proposal for a new pre-booked bulk verge collection service in the Town. 

You can read the full report via the Town's website (select the 22 September 2020 Ordinary Council meeting, and scroll to page 108).

The new service will be known as "Verge Valet", and is a new method of conducting verge collections which allow residents to choose when they would like their collection. 

There are many advantages of the new Verge Valet service, including that residents will no longer be restricted to a date prescribed by strict zonal collections. 

The Town is aiming to improve on the 87% diversion (recycling) rate that we achieved in the past 12 months of verge collections. 

The Town will commence a trial version during the next two financial years, where collections will be pre-booked. Upon trial period completion, a decision will be made on its efficacy, taking into account resident feedback gathered throughout the trial period. 

Residents who have booked a service will receive education materials regarding the items that can be presented for collection and how to maximise their allowable collection space. 

When will this roll out? 

At this stage, bookings are expected to open in November 2020.

Keep an eye on the Town's website, social media, Cambridge News in the Post Newspaper and e-newsletters for regular announcements and updates regarding the service. 

Flyers will also be available at the Town's Administration Centre, Cambridge Library, and recycling units around the Town. 

Once the "behind the scenes" work has been completed to ensure a smooth initial roll-out, promotion and education will commence to inform residents and assist in the transition. 

What can I do with my waste in the meantime?

1.  The Town is now a participating member of the Western Metropolitan Regional Council, which means residents have free recycling access at the West Metro Recycling Centre in Shenton Park. This includes items such as polystyrene, cardboard, electronic waste, paint tins, chemicals, scrap metal and more. Simply present your driver's license as proof of residence.

Download the WMRC flyer to see the list of items that can be dropped off for free, and those with associated fees and charges.  

2. Join your local Facebook "Buy Nothing" group to pass on items that are useful to others.
Simply type in Buy Nothing <insert your suburb> and your local group will self-fill.

There is also the Facebook group "Buy Sell Swap Free NOR" or Gumtree to pass on items.

3. Contact charity ParaQuad Industries, who are happy to come and collect items. Call them on 08 9381 0195 to arrange a collection.

4. Drive up and drop off your items at the Town's Charity Drop-off Day on Saturday 31 October between 9.00am and 3.00pm at the Town's Administration Centre. Household items can be donated including working electrical and small furniture items.
 

5. If you have non-working electronic waste, the Town is also planning an E-Waste Day prior to the end of the year. You can also save your pool blankets from landfill by bringing them for recycling at the Town's free pool blanket Drop-off day also planned for this year. There may also be the option for home collection of pool blankets from your residence. 

6. Bring your clothing along to an upcoming Cambridge Clothing Swap! 

The Town hosts Community Clothing Swaps seasonally four times a year, where you can bring your quality men's and women's clothing and accessories and take home new treasures.

The Town also hosts Children's Clothing Swaps where you can bring childrenswear and maternity wear.

The Swaps take place at Cambridge Library, 99 The Boulevard, Floreat, typically on a Sunday from 12pm - 2pm. 

Details are to be confirmed pending the COVID recovery Phase 5, however the Adults Clothing Swap event is pencilled in for Sunday 15 November and the Children's Swap for 5 December.

Keep an eye on the Town's website and social media for updates.

7. The Cambridge "Gown Library" at Cambridge Library will the first recycling initiative of its kind and the Town will be launching it this year!

It will offer families the opportunity to borrow ball gowns for their children or themselves - rather than go to the expense of buying gowns to have them only worn once.

Save your gowns and ball shoes to donate to this venture and we will update you with more details soon.