Lismore City Council has given households a Christmas in July gift with the announcement of two annual waste vouchers per year.

For the last five years, households could apply for one of 5,000 waste vouchers, which had to be used within 30 days, although you could reapply if it wasn't used in that time. This was from approximately 18,500 households in the LGA. The benefit was $74.40.

The new tip voucher system will be split into six-month intervals, and will be valued at $148.80 of free waste disposal at the Lismore Recycling & Recovery Centre or the Nimbin Transfer Station per customer per financial year.

Mayor Steve Krieg said the initiative was a first step in Council responding to the priorities listed in the recent Community Scorecard, which have now been reflected in the Lismore Community Strategic Plan.

“The community told us we should focus on reducing illegal dumping by reviewing our bulk waste services. Doubling the number of waste vouchers available for each household annually demonstrates Council is listening and taking action,” he said.

Individual waste vouchers will remain at $74.40 in value. Any unused funds from the first ‘Primary’ voucher (above $2.00) will automatically be transferred to the second ‘Secondary’ voucher. Any funds remaining on the second voucher will not be available after expiry.

Both vouchers must be used within 30 days of issue. If the first voucher expires before use, residents will be eligible to reapply.

Consistent with current practice, commercial customers and businesses are not entitled to apply. 

Applications for a waste voucher can be made on Council’s website. People who do not have access to a computer or email are welcome to apply in person at Council’s Customer Service Centre at 43 Oliver Avenue or by calling Council’s friendly call centre team on 02 6625 0500.

Rates assessment numbers (property owners) or proof of tenancy (tenants) will be required.