MACEDON Ranges Council will consider offering free disposal of green waste for ratepayers in May, November and December in response to the devastating Black Saturday bushfires.
Green waste disposal is currently offered on a user-pays system but is free for November to promote the cleaning up of properties in time for the summer fire-danger period.
Councillors considered a report on the budget implications, and issues of fire prevention, human health and equity at last week's council meeting.
The matter of fees for green waste disposal will be considered as part of the 2009-10 budget process.
An earlier motion by East Ward councillor Henry McLaughlin to make waste disposal free at transfer stations in Woodend, Kyneton and Romsey for 12 months was voted against.
Cr McLaughlin said the council had a responsibility to take action on climate change because it was "no ordinary shire" for fire danger.
"The CFA has described the shire as a 'tinderbox' and we should actively reduce the fire risk by encouraging the recycling of green waste as opposed to the burning of it."
The cost of offering free green waste disposal year-round would be about $30,000.
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