Wollondilly Shire Council will be trialling a new wood chipping service from this Autumn in four locations around the Shire: Appin, Bargo, Picton and Warragamba.

Running from April until December 2024, this free service is available to residents with a current domestic waste service.

This service will allow people to dispose of larger vegetation such as tree branches and large shrubs.

Mayor Matt Gould explained, “This trial service is being introduced in response to feedback received from residents who participated in our Shire-wide Waste Services Survey. Results from the survey continue to play a part in shaping our waste services.”

“The aim of the wood chipping service is to help residents undertake bushfire preparation, general yard and property maintenance or land regeneration, as well as removal of woody weed species such as African Olive or Privet.”

“The trial is free and will be running at four different locations, so it is within a 30-minute drive for the majority of Wollondilly’s residents.”

Council’s tree contractors will assess each load and have the right to refuse material if it is unsuitable for the service.

They will accept tree branches, trunks and large shrubs more than one metre long with a maximum diameter of 400mm.

The service is unable to accept:

• Tree stumps with root balls
• Vines and garden weeds
• Weed species in seed or fruit
• Grass clippings, hedge trimmings, palm leaves
• Material that is tied up or in bags
• Material with dirt or soil
• Metal, concrete, asbestos, building materials or general waste

The operation could be dusty and noisy, so it is recommended that residents wear closed shoes, use ear protection such as ear buds and eye protection such as glasses, sunglasses or safety glasses. Children and pets should remain in vehicles and be supervised at all times.

Bookings are essential as places are limited – call 4677 1100 or visit www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au to book.

Please check Council’s Tree Management page for information about approvals for tree removal.

The trial locations are as follows:

• Appin AIS Sportsground, Sportsground Parade
  8:00am – 3:00pm Monday 8 April, Saturday 13 July, Saturday 7 September 2024
• Bargo Sportsground, Radnor Road
  8:00am – 3:00pm Saturday 4 May, Wednesday 11 September, Saturday 19 October 2024
• Picton Sportsground, Fairleys Road
  8:00am – 2:00pm Tuesday 11 June, Thursday 8 August 8.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 28 September, Thursday 12 December
• Warragamba Waste Management Centre site, Production Avenue
  8:00am – 3:00pm Saturday 27 July, Friday 27 September, Saturday 16 November