Semi-Automated Waste Disposal System (SAWDS) - Cobargo
The project will innovate the previous transfer station by using technology for waste collection and more of a self-service approach.
Project background
Bega Valley Shire Council is responsible for providing waste collection and waste management services to its community. These services are highly technical, requiring a carefully considered balance of operational activity, asset management and business administration to achieve the best outcomes for the community. Waste operations are also heavily regulated by the State and Federal governments.
During the Black Summer bushfires of 2019/2020, followed by the COVID 19 pandemic and several extreme weather events, the community and Council were heavily impacted. Among these impacts was the loss of the Cobargo Waste Transfer Station to fire in December. The site was later partially reopened to provide a basic waste and recycling drop-off point for rural customers with no roadside collection. The interim service provides 1100L general and recycled waste bins that are collected from the transfer station on a fortnightly basis.
The transfer station operations at Cobargo have for a long time been financially unsustainable. A key benefit of an alternative service is controlling service costs and delivering a financially sustainable waste disposal solution for residents who cannot receive a roadside collection service. The system we are proposing is a semi-automated compactor set up where residents can drop off their waste into a bin that is then collected and disposed of in line with Council waste management plans.
Purpose
The key objectives of this project are:
- Trial plan and associated project management documentation, including designs and system specifications
- Community engagement and communications with eligible residents, and other stakeholders
- Training of staff and eligible residents
- The lease, or lease-to-own of trial equipment
- Waste compactors with customer interface and control
- Solar powered
- Hook lift bins serviceable by existing contractors
- Bin chute sub-component for equivalent capacity to normal household quantities of waste
- Trial and equipment branding, signage and other communication materials (pamphlets, user manuals etc)
- Logistics support materials – such as maintenance manuals etc.
The partial re-development of the Cobargo waste transfer station site to accommodate the extent of trial only.
Funding
The project is an operational project funded from the Waste Fund. The total project budget estimate is $918,000 covering internal salaries (sunk cost), community engagement materials, specialist consultants and minor project administration costs.
Connection to Council's Community Strategic Plan
This project aligns with Bega Valley Shire Council Community Strategic Plan through the following theme areas:
- C - Our Environment
- C.3 - Collaborate with partners and our community to support innovative approaches to waste minimisation and increase reuse and recycling opportunities
- C3.2 - Implement and regularly review the adopted Waste Asset Management Plan
Who to talk to
Andrew Rother
Project Manager
Bega Valley Shire Council
Phone: (02) 6499 2112
Email: arother@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
Timeline of works
The project commenced in July 2023, and the trial is scheduled to begin in March 2024. Key dates for the community:
Frequently Asked Questions
News and Updates
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Contact Us
- 02 6499 2222
- council@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
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Zingel Place
PO Box 492
Bega NSW 2550 -
Monday to Friday 9.00AM to 4.30PM
Administration building Zingel Place Bega
Australia -
ABN: 26 987 935 332