Council to introduce medical waste assistance

Published on 26 August 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council will introduce a new medical waste assistance scheme to help residents managing extra household waste due to home-based medical treatments.

The scheme is designed for people undergoing treatments such as dialysis or chemotherapy, which can generate large volumes of non-hazardous waste, including dialysis solution bags, tubing, packaging, and gloves.

Council unanimously endorsed the scheme at its August meeting on Wednesday.

Under the plan, eligible residents will be able to choose from one of three support options:

• A second 120-litre general waste bin at no additional cost
• A waiver of waste transfer station fees, capped at $400 per financial year
• A waiver of the annual waste charge for one additional bin, where private collection is arranged

To qualify, applicants must be permanent residents of West Wimmera Shire, provide medical documentation confirming their treatment and resulting waste needs, and submit an application for review.

Approved assistance will be granted for 12 months, with the option to renew.

Mayor Tim Meyer said the scheme was an important step to support residents and keep people in the community.

“Council is very happy to introduce this program,” he said.

“We know we have an aging population and the more we can do to keep people at home in our community, the better it is for everyone.

“The scheme will provide meaningful support for those managing home-based treatments, and it doesn’t come at a great cost to Council.”

Council estimates five to 10 households will benefit initially.

Application forms and full eligibility details will be available on Council’s website or from Council’s customer service centres.