The reuse centre at Cessnock dump will cease operation in December as it is not part of Cessnock City Council’s plans for the new waste facility.
Widely known as the “dump shop”, the centre has been privately operated by East Cessnock Recycling for more than 20 years, selling metals, wood, fence panels, old furniture and other bits and pieces.
The centre, which employs eight staff, will close on December 2 to allow construction of a new, modernised waste transfer facility.
East Cessnock Recycling owner Roger Davies said he was “extremely disappointed” by the council’s decision.
He said customers come from all over the Hunter and NSW, even interstate.
“It is unfortunate that in this time of ‘reuse and recycle’ that council has decided not to go ahead with a reuse centre in the new facility,” he said.
A council spokesperson said a competitive tender process to continue the operation of the reuse centre was conducted, however “the results did not represent value for money for all residents”.
Residents with items that can be reused, such as toys and furniture, will be directed to local charity shops and services.
The waste transfer facility will include new resource recovery opportunities for a range of materials including metals, garden organics, electronic waste, paints, oils and batteries.
All materials will be required to go over the weighbridge (which is a part of council’s Environmental Protection Authority license requirements).
Fees for these materials are still being determined and will be at a substantially discounted rate.
The disposal of metals will remain free of charge in accordance with council’s 2016/17 financial year fees and charges.
A third bin for garden organics including prunings and grass clippings is scheduled to be introduced in the Cessnock local government area in March 2017, and free disposal of grass clippings will remain until then.
“The redesign will deliver the community with a modern facility which has increased safety, convenience and more recycling/reuse opportunities,” the council spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, council will hold a free mattress drop-off at Cessnock TAFE this Saturday from 8am to midday.
