Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred updates

As the lead agency for the Environmental Services Functional Area (EnvSFA), the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) supports emergency management arrangements for the protection of the environment prior to, during, and after an emergency.

We are working closely with councils in Northern NSW to help communities prepare for and undertake waste clean-up in the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Affected councils have been advised they will have the NSW Waste Levy and the requirement for reporting pollution incidents temporarily waived. We have also secured an exemption from the Queensland waste levy for disaster waste from the six northernmost councils.

Waste and debris collection

Some local councils on the North Coast suspended household bin collections in the days before ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred’s landfall. Many councils will recommence their red and yellow bin collections services in the week beginning Monday 10 March. Residents should contact their local council to confirm what collection services are available in their area.

Green waste is emerging as the key waste concern in areas that have been impacted. To assist councils, the EPA has approved 12 temporary emergency waste staging sites:

• Three sites in Lismore LGA
• Four sites in Ballina LGA
• One site in Richmond Valley LGA
• One site in Tweed LGA
• Three sites in Byron LGA.

For household green waste collections, residents should contact their local council for information.

The EPA will also work with councils to ensure commercial food waste can be quickly collected and disposed of.

Safety when handling flood debris

In areas that are expected to be impacted, communities are reminded to avoid waterways and flood waters.

Heavy rain can wash a variety of contaminants, including raw sewage, into local waterways. Avoid consuming, contact with or using flood impacted water for any recreational or agricultural purposes.

Hazardous materials, chemicals and other unidentified items may also be present in waterways and should not be handled.

If you are handling waste and debris, always wear gloves and protective footwear to avoid direct contact with the skin and to protect yourself from injury.

Swimming in waters affected by stormwater can expose swimmers to several dangers, including pathogens which can make you sick, and hidden debris below the surface which you could collide with or become snagged by under the water.

Common sense is advised. If you can see signs of pollution in the water, like discoloured water or debris floating on the surface, do not enter.

Used and unused sandbags

Sandbags that have been in contact with floodwater need to be disposed of. Sturdy gloves should be worn when handling wet sandbags as they can contain chemicals, waste and diseases.

Councils have been advised that sand from emptied, unused sandbags or sand stockpiles may be able to be used for coastal protection works or applied to other land.

Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of your used and unused sandbags.