A new era in bulky waste collection is poised to begin in Lake Macquarie, with Council switching to a bookable service from the beginning of March.
Manager Waste Services Paul Collins said online bookings were now open.
"Residents can go online now and book a bulky waste service when they need one," he said.
"The bookable service offers greater flexibility for people to dispose of their bulky items when it is most convenient for them, whether that's after some spring cleaning, before moving house or clearing out a room or garage for alternative use."
"It also means we won't have the unsightly mess and potential pollution risk of entire suburbs having piles of kerbside waste awaiting collection at the same time."
Residents can book kerbside bulky waste collections online via lakemac.com.au/bulky-waste.
Mr Collins said online booking took only a few minutes to complete.
"We've made the booking system a very quick, straightforward process to make it easy for residents," he said.
"Alternatively, people without internet can call and book via our Customer Service Centre on 4921 0333."
Under the new system, residents can book two bulky waste services a year, with the 12-month period starting from the date of the first collection.
"So if you first used the service in April and again in November, you could book your next service in April 2025," Mr Collins said.
Up to two cubic metres of bulky waste can be placed on the kerb for collection, provided it is included in Council's list of accepted materials.
Residents now have the added flexibility to choose a drop-off voucher instead, allowing up to 250kg of waste to be dropped off at the Awaba Waste Management Facility.
"Two of the main benefits of our drop-off vouchers are that you can use them immediately, and a greater range of materials can be disposed of, including building renovation materials, windows, glass and household garbage," Mr Collins said.
People with large amounts of waste can use both allocations for the year in one go. That allows for up to four cubic metres of bulky waste to be left for kerbside collection, or 500kg for drop-off at Awaba.
Lake Macquarie produces the sixth-largest amount of bulky waste per household of the 42 NSW LGAs offering bulky waste services.
Mr Collins said Council was currently collecting more than 11,000 tonnes of bulky waste a year, which was unsustainable long-term.
"Significant change is never without its challenges, but we've been working very hard to ensure this transition is as smooth and efficient as possible," he said.
Council is also stepping up its messaging encouraging residents to divert items from landfill wherever possible, either through its Community Recycling Centre at Awaba, or by repairing, reusing, gifting or selling them.
