Macedon Ranges council has changed its service to get rid of green waste, just as clean-ups get underway for the upcoming fire season.
The council announced last week it will introduce a new voucher system next month at its three transfer stations at Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey.
Vouchers will entitle ratepayers to dump two free small trailer-loads of green waste at transfer stations each year from September 1.
Mayor Graham Hackett said the new system would replace the existing free green drop service, and “couldn’t have come at a better time”.
“Spring is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to get out and prepare our properties for the warmer weather to come,” he said.
But Macedon Ranges Residents Association president Christine Pruneau said it appeared council had not thought through the consequences of the change.
“The biggest impact of this will be for people on large blocks and those living outside the town,” Ms Pruneau said.
“I don’t see how this will encourage clean-ups before the fire season.”
Mt Macedon resident Philip Henkel is also concerned, saying landowners with larger blocks will have to pay dearly.
“Two free vouchers might be okay if you are on a standard 500 square-metre lot, but for those of us who are on a 5000 to 6000 square meter block of land, it’s clearly inadequate.”
Mr Henkel said it would cost him more than $50 per trip if he had to pay.
A small trailer load costs $28 without a voucher.
Some residents will still be able to burn rubbish, provided they get a permit, which was another change to council’s waste policy earlier this year.
“There is a disparity of property sizes, and I think this scheme might deter people from recycling their green waste because why pay when you can burn it?” Mr Henkel said.
“Our waste system needs a thorough good look at it.”
Ratepayers will get their vouchers in the post with annual rates notices, due out this month.
Charges will apply for larger loads, commercial customers, people living outside the shire and those with more than two trailer-loads a year.
