The new green waste bins, despite being strongly opposed to by a number of vocal residents, will be delivered to homes in Bathurst, Eglinton, Raglan and Perthville from March 7 to 24.

A notice of motion that the third bin be optional was considered by councillors at their September, 2015 meeting, however there was no support.

The food and garden waste bin will now be delivered to all standalone properties. 

A charge for domestic waste management will apply, but the rate is yet to be determined along with rates for pensioners.

In all, 27,000 bins will be delivered, including new 240 litre recycling bins, which are being replaced due to the current contract expiring in April, 2016. 

Customers will need to place their existing recycling bins on the kerb, empty, from Monday, April 11 so they can be collected. 

The fortnightly collection day will remain the same for households with recycling bins.

Residents living in stand-alone houses will receive a new 240 litre lime-green-lid food and garden waste bin, which will be collected weekly on the same day as regular waste collection.

In addition to the 240 litre green bin, households will be provided with a small seven litre caddy bin. 

Council will continue to collect regular waste and take it to landfill, while recycling bins and green waste bins will be collected by J R Richards.

Recyclables will be sent to Sydney for sorting and processing, while food and garden waste will be composted locally.

The new contracted collection services begin on Monday, April 4.

Councillor Jess Jennings said the introduction of the bins will ensure Bathurst lessens its impact on the environment and will eventually protect ratepayers from further costs in the future. 

“The net benefit to Bathurst is going to be significantly good,” he said.

“And from an environmental point of view is simply the smartest and best option.”