Ulladulla resident Denise Joy refuses to pay to dispose of green waste at the tip, but is concerned about the fire risk it poses to properties. 

However, Mayor Amanda Findley took to social media to explain a free green waste service may see rates increase. 

“They want us to clean up, reduce leaves and get rid of rubbish, but then they charge us to dump it,” Ms Joy said. 

“I am concerned for the people on properties who need to clear their land for fire safety, but are facing hefty costs to dispose of it. It is $101 per tonne and a $6.90 minimum charge, even if its just a garbage bag, to take to the tip.”

Cr Findley created a poll on Facebook, which was deleted a short time later. The last time the poll was sited by Fairfax Media, it had 143 votes for ‘free green waste at the tip, no rates hike, correctly manage mulch profits’. 

It was followed by the second most popular option, ‘continue with the user pay system as it stands’, with 74 votes. 

Ms Joy is calling on the council to reinstate free green waste disposal at its waste facilities. She said the garden waste would not fit into a bin. 

“I want free green waste back at the tip. Other councils have free green waste at their waste depots, and I see it as a great opportunity to get rid of your green waste for council to mulch,” Ms Joy said.

“It isn’t just farmers, there are people who have piles in their back yards who don’t want to pay to get rid of it. 

“I am all for the council reduce, reusing and recycling the green waste for mulch, but I think it should be for free.” 

Facing dry conditions, Ms Joy said the issue was only going to “get worse”. 

“Trees keep growing and leaves keep falling. Everything is really dry and everything is just ready to go up,” she said. 

Mayor Amanda Findley was contacted for comment.