Previously, domestic waste was emptied directly into the landfill, increasing the risk of windblown litter, as well as other environmental hazards.

Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s acting general manager Gary Woodman said the change brings the Crookwell Landfill in line with council’s waste transfer stations where lidded skip bins were rolled out earlier this year.

“The reduction of windblown litter at the Crookwell Landfill is necessary to ensure compliance with new EPA guidelines,” Mr Woodman said.

“The installation of skip bins at council’s waste transfer stations has dramatically reduced the amount of windblown litter and improved safety for users by removing the need to deposit waste at the tipping face.

“While there were some initial concerns about lifting waste from ground level into the elevated skip bins, many customers have found bagging waste into smaller, more manageable weight packages has addressed the problem.

“For those customers who have a standard height utility, the height of the skip bins allows for waste to be tipped from the tray directly into the bins.”

The introduction of the skip bins is part of council’s $3.96 million project to upgrade the Crookwell Landfill to extend the life of the tip and ensure it is compliant with new EPA guidelines.