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Bass Coast announces fee-free green waste period to help residents prepare for upcoming fire season

Bass Coast residents can dispose of domestic green waste for free from 1 - 23 November 2025, helping the community prepare properties and reduce fire hazards ahead of the summer season.

By news@gippsland - 10th October 2025 - Back to News

The fee-free green waste period is on again! From Saturday, 1 November to Sunday, 23 November 2025, domestic loads of green waste will be accepted free of charge at any of Bass Coast Shire Council's waste facilities to encourage preparation for the fire season. Council's waste facilities are located in Grantville, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cowes.

During the fee-free period, Cowes Recycling Bank has a new entry point, restricted trailer sizes, and updated traffic arrangements to ensure public and staff safety

Fee-free cleanup

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead encouraged everyone to take advantage of this fee-free period to get ready for the upcoming summer. "Now is the perfect time for everyone to clean up their property before the bushfire season. Bushfire hazards include fuel like leaf litter, plants, and other debris. If left to build up, these materials can feed a fire and make it more dangerous."

With the first weekend of the disposal period coinciding with the Melbourne Cup weekend and council's waste facilities remaining open on Melbourne Cup Day, high demand may lead to queues and delays, particularly on this first weekend. Disposing of your green waste in the middle of the fee-free period may help you avoid delays, so plan ahead.

Cowes recycling reminder

Those visiting Cowes Recycling Bank should note that large trucks and trailers (over 8' x 5') are not accepted and will be redirected to Grantville Transfer Station during the fee-free green waste period. Weed species including:

• Blackberry
• English ivy
• Agapanthus
• Mirror bush

Along with plants that cannot be mulched such as palm fronds are not accepted as green waste at any of our locations, however these can go in your kerbside Organics (green lid) bin at any time. For more information on what's accepted, locations, and hours of council's Waste Facilities, visit Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  South Gippsland Shire Council is seeking feedback from parents and carers to help shape how the Victorian government's 2027 Pre-Prep program is delivered locally to meet community needs.
• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• Danny O'Brien urges Gippslanders to donate early to Giving Trees and help bring Christmas joy to foster children
  Gippslanders are encouraged to donate early to A Better Life for Foster Kids' Giving Trees, helping ensure every child in out-of-home care receives a Christmas gift this festive season.
• South Gippsland Remembrance Day services to be held in various locations and other council updates
  South Gippsland marks Remembrance Day on 11 November with local services honouring veterans. Plus, free green waste disposal, festive giving initiatives, business support, community events, and engagement opportunities across the region this spring.
• Darren Chester backs Stratford runner's 300 km charity challenge supporting free 3D hands in Sale
  Stratford ultra-runner Chris Dixon will run 300 km in Sale to raise $50,000 for Free 3D Hands, supported by Darren Chester and local runners backing the inspiring community event.
• East Gippsland drivers urged to follow parking limits this festive season to support local businesses
  East Gippsland Shire Council reminds drivers to follow festive season parking limits, ensuring accessibility, supporting local businesses, and avoiding fines, while respecting loading zones and disabled parking bays.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Baw Baw Shire Council invites community to join family-friendly Australia Day celebrations on 22 and 26 January 2026
  Residents are invited to free, family-friendly Australia Day celebrations across Baw Baw Shire, reflecting on history, recognising First Nations cultures, welcoming new citizens, thanking volunteers, and celebrating community spirit together.
• Melina Bath thanks community for support, generosity, and resilience during festive season and year’s end
  Marking the festive season, I thank eastern Victoria’s community for generosity, resilience, and support, celebrating local businesses, families, and volunteers while wishing everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous 2026.
• Melina Bath says Indigenous burning and broad-scale fuel reduction are vital for proactive bushfire prevention
  Victoria’s fire season begins amid total bans, with experts warning mismanaged forests and inadequate fuel reduction under Labor leave communities exposed to devastating megafires.
• Melina Bath launches e-petition urging Labor to enforce gun laws properly and protect law-abiding firearm owners in Gippsland
  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath and firearm owner Ryan Weeratunge launch e-petition urging Labor to enforce existing gun laws, avoid rushed changes, and consult law-abiding owners to ensure community safety.
• East Gippsland Council launches pool and spa safety inspection service to ensure compliance and protect residents
  East Gippsland Council reminds residents to ensure pools and spas meet safety regulations and offers a $385 Barrier Compliance Inspection Service, including inspection, report, follow-up, certification, and database lodgement.
• East Gippsland Council launches Buy Local campaign to support businesses, jobs, and community vibrancy this festive season and summer
  East Gippsland Shire Council has launched the Buy Local campaign, encouraging residents to support local businesses, strengthen jobs, and keep the community vibrant throughout the festive season and beyond.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures.
• Wellington Shire Council seeks girls, young women, and 12 - 18-year-olds to help design Lions Park
  Wellington Shire Council seeks input from girls, young women, and non-binary 12–18-year-olds to help design Lions Park, creating safe, inclusive, active, and engaging public spaces for youth.