Electronic waste vouchers to be introduced in Livingstone Shire

Livingstone Shire ratepayers will soon be able to use their smartphones to redeem waste vouchers, after Councillors voted to implement an electronic system. 

Council currently issues close to 20,000 paper vouchers annually to eligible ratepayers, at a cost of about $18,000 for printing and postage.  

At the monthly Council meeting last week, Councillors unanimously voted to approve the switch to electronic vouchers which will be issued through Council’s free Waste Wise App from September this year. 

Data from the App will give Council a better understanding of who uses vouchers and where, which will help develop future waste and recycling policy initiatives. 

The new vouchers will be uniquely barcoded so if a resident loses their phone, the remaining vouchers will be safely stored electronically.  

Councillor Andrea Friend, Portfolio holder of Water, Waste Management and the Environment, said Council was moving with the times and minimising waste as well as saving on operational costs. 

“Moving to a paperless service means that Council is “walking the talk” when it comes to diverting materials away from landfill,” Cr Friend said. 

“Council anticipates a significant annual saving once the initial app development cost is recovered after the first two years. 

“The electronic system will be easier for residents to use and access and decrease the chance of vouchers being lost or misplaced. 

“I encourage all ratepayers to get on board early and download the Livingstone Waste Wise App which also includes important information on recycling opportunities and bin service details. 

“Those in the community who don’t own a smartphone or have trouble with technology will have the option to print their vouchers or they can visit Council’s Customer Support Centres to request paper versions.” 

Go to the App Store/Google Play on your iPhone/Android device to download the Livingstone Waste Wise App.