Hard rubbish scavenging in Melbourne’s north could soon end as council considers on-call service

IT IS regarded as one of the best hard rubbish collections in Melbourne for scavengers, but it could be a thing of the past if the council gets its way.

Hard rubbish scavenging is under threat in Melbourne’s northern suburbs as Moreland council considers a change to its collection service.

THE northern suburbs’ famed hard-rubbish scavenging could be a thing of the past as Moreland council considers changing to an on-call service instead of annual pick-ups.

Although illegal in Moreland, sifting through hard rubbish has a long history in the municipality, with many artists and students salvaging materials from nature strips to then sell or reuse.

Moreland’s hard waste collection contract expires in late 2017 and the council is reviewing the current service.

Director of city infrastructure Grant Thorne said tenders had been sought for both on-call and annual hard waste collection options, with the community asked to provide input.

“At this stage, the council is in the process of receiving tenders, and will be reviewing community feedback on the service once the survey closes on (Monday) November 21,” Mr Thorne said.

According to Victoria Police, picking through roadside rubbish is not an offence, but councils can make local laws and issue fines for those caught scavenging.

In Moreland, offenders face fines of up to $1554.60.

But that doesn’t deter people such as Betty Jo Designs artist and scavenger Liz Jones, who said having annual collections was better because it was easier for people to pick over the piles and reuse the unwanted items.

“It gives everybody the chance to pick and choose,” Ms Jones said.

“It helps sustainability, it gives people livelihoods, helps people on low incomes or those who just like vintage stuff.”

The “Glean Queen” said Brunswick was regarded as the best place in Melbourne for scavenging hard rubbish.

“People on Facebook will announce that it’s hard rubbish time,” she said. “It’s a big thing, especially in Brunswick where there are a lot of students and people still renting who need extra furniture. A lot of artists and creative people will scour hard rubbish for their art.”

The hard waste collection survey is open until 5pm today (Monday) at moreland.vic.gov.au/hard-waste-survey