Dalbeg Skip Bin Service to Be Discontinued Following Trial

Published on 24 June 2026

Burdekin Shire Council will discontinue the Dalbeg skip bin service following the completion of a six-month trial, after very low community utilisation and increased operational costs demonstrated the service is not sustainable.

The trial, introduced in late 2025, replaced a permanently available skip bin at Dalbeg Hall, which had been removed due to ongoing misuse. The revised model provided scheduled, supervised waste collection days on a quarterly basis, with a user-pays component for selected waste items.

Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort said the trial was implemented to provide a more controlled and fair service for the Dalbeg community.

“Council wanted to ensure residents still had access to a local disposal option while addressing the misuse issues that were occurring with the permanent skip bin,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“However, the results of the trial clearly show that the service is not being used at a level that justifies the cost to Council.”

Only seven customers utilised the service across two collection events held in March and May 2026, with minimal waste volumes collected overall.

While some materials, including scrap metal, mattresses and whitegoods, were successfully diverted from landfill, the overall level of use remained low.

The cost of delivering each supervised collection event is significantly higher than previous disposal costs under the permanent bin arrangement.

Mayor Dalle Cort said Council must ensure responsible use of ratepayer funds when delivering services across the region.

“Council has a responsibility to provide services that are fair, efficient and sustainable for the entire community,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

“Based on the evidence from this trial, continuing the Dalbeg skip bin service is not a cost-effective option.”

Following the discontinuation of the service, residents of Dalbeg and Millaroo will be encouraged to use existing waste facilities across the Burdekin.

The Clare Transfer Station will be the primary facility for domestic hard waste and scrap metal, while other waste types can be disposed of at Council’s waste facilities in Ayr, Home Hill and Kirknie.

Council acknowledged there is a potential risk of illegal dumping following the removal of the permanent skip bin, with one isolated incident recorded during the trial period. This will continue to be monitored.

“We understand this change may be disappointing for some residents, and we encourage the community to make use of the available waste facilities to ensure waste is disposed of responsibly,” Mayor Dalle Cort said.

Media Contact:
Marina Power – Media and Communications Officer
Phone: (07) 4783 9903