Belford resident Vicki Mulyk received a shock when she went to leave Singleton Council's waste depot last Wednesday.
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Holding a free domestic waste voucher Vicki expected to leave the facility with no charge. However, her trailer which was now completely emptied had contained just over one tonne of waste.
"We were not permitted to leave as we owed $280.02 and were advised that we were over 300kg limit for voucher," she said.
"I reviewed this voucher before heading to tip and once again at tip. There is no where on voucher in the terms and conditions which states there is any limit or amount or any additional terms and conditions.
"As such the terms and conditions stated on the voucher are indeed the full disclosed legal terms and conditions without limitation therefore I should not have be charged."
Vicki said what would have happened if she was unable to pay the amount demanded of her - reload the dumped waste?
Council spokesperson said Council acknowledges that an error was made during the printing process of its 2019/20 free domestic waste vouchers, which omitted notification of the 300kg weight limit.
The sample rates notice supplied by Council's printer and approved by Council was not what was distributed to our community. Council apologises for the printing error.
As a result, a new procedure for weighbridge operations was introduced, requiring operators to direct customers to read the terms and conditions when using a voucher, and clearly specifying the 300kg maximum limit. Information about the weight limit was also available on Council's website and social media channels.
Council's terms and conditions for the use of the free domestic waste vouchers have remained unchanged since 2015/16, and have been stipulated on all previous vouchers.
The terms and conditions are displayed at the weighbridge at Singleton Council's Waste Management Facility, on Council's website at www.singleton.nsw.gov.au and on Council's Facebook page at @SingletonCouncil
Council is reviewing the circumstances surrounding a particular transaction last week and will be in contact with the individual involved.