Opt out is not on says resident

UPPER Beaconsfield resident Viv Hyland said he was among the people upset over the way Cardinia Council introduced its green bin system.
Mr Hyland said he received a bin and a note saying that if he didn’t want it he could cancel the service.
“I was otherwise involved when the notices came out and didn’t realise what was going on. I didn’t realise that it was a case of having to opt out of the system. When I did ring to opt out I was told that I couldn’t cancel the service until the end of the financial year.
“This system forces people to take a service they don’t want.
“In my opinion, it is unethical to require people to opt out of the service they do not request. I was told that I had to write to David Esmore at the council and that my case would be considered on its merits but nothing could be done until the end of the financial year.”
Cardinia manager of governance and communication Doug Evans said people who did not respond to the initial letters advising of the scheme and wished to opt out now must write to the council.
He confirmed that each case would be considered on its merits.
“The cost until the end of this financial year is $30 and the cost for next year will depend on the number of people who stay in the system.”
Mr Evans said the collection system was being well used and that only 70 letters had been received from people wanting to opt out.