Canning Council Moves to Investigate Rapid Response Waste Cleanup Team
The City of Canning is taking steps to address illegal dumping and littering by considering the establishment of a rapid response waste removal team. This initiative follows a unanimous council decision at the March 17 meeting, where officials directed staff to examine the costs and feasibility of such a team.
Rejection of Skip Bin Proposal Leads to New Approach
Previously, the council rejected a proposal to install communal skip bins in Bentley, a measure voted for by electors at the annual general meeting on January 29. City officers warned that skip bins could become "dumping magnets," potentially exacerbating the problem. Instead, they recommended a public education campaign to promote existing waste services.
A report highlighted that since 2023, littering in Bentley has decreased by approximately 25%, with a 21% overall reduction in illegal dumping reports. However, Deputy Mayor Mark Bain argued that anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in dumping incidents. "I visited a street not far from here the other day and sent photos to the city," Cr Bain said. "The area really did resemble a tip. The amount of rubbish was personally shocking."
Inspired by Rockingham's LitterBusters Program
Cr Bain pointed to the City of Rockingham's successful LitterBusters program as a model. This rapid response team operates seven days a week, responding to reports of dumping within 24 hours, compared to Canning's current service level of up to 10 days. "Our current service level is within 10 days or less," he noted, emphasizing the need for faster cleanup efforts.
Councillor Michelle Hurn supported the idea, calling for more focus on prosecution to deter repeat offenders. "I've also observed people contributing to piles of rubbish dumped on the side of the road," she said. "For that reason, I do agree that dumped items need to be collected more promptly."
Current Waste Services and Future Directions
The City of Canning already offers several waste services, including two free bulk skip bin collections per year, a free bulky item collection, two free tip passes, and free recycling drop-off points. The proposed rapid response team would complement these services by addressing immediate cleanup needs.
As the council moves forward with its investigation, residents hope for improved street cleanliness and reduced illegal dumping, aligning with broader environmental and community goals.
