Fresh Bins National Service Manager Rick Ribbink in the factory in Wendouree.
A BIN washing company wants to set up its national headquarters in Ballarat, creating between 80 and 100 jobs.
However, Ballarat City Council said it would prioritise greenwaste collection if it was to include any further rubbish service costs in its rates.
Fresh Bins managing director Paul Sewell said the Warrnambool-based company would establish its national headquarters in Wendouree if it could get an agreement with the council but would otherwise move to Texas.
“We are sick and tired of hitting our head against a brick wall,” Mr Sewell said.
“Ballarat has so much potential for manufacturing. We understood the constraints of the last council who didn’t want to put up rates but surely it’s got to be good for that many jobs to be going to Ballarat.”
Fresh Bins involves a purpose-built truck following the council’s garbage trucks and washing the bins behind them, using robotic equipment, including sensors that detect humans or animals in the way.
Mr Sewell said the service could be half funded by the council and half by the state government, which would help keep costs down for ratepayers.
But the council’s destinations and economy director Jeff Pulford said the council would put greenwaste collection ahead of having clean bins.
“Their technology is outstanding but there needs to be a market for it,” Mr Pulford said.
He said the council had carried out economic modelling for Fresh Bins and had discussed the issue with the state government, who had decided not to legislate to make bin washing compulsory.
“We are eager to see the company expand and we have done everything we can to support them.”
Fresh Bins’ national service manager Rick Ribbink said yesterday a Trewin Street factory was ready to go as its headquarters.
“Australia wide, we would have 1400 trucks once we get up and running,” Mr Ribbink said.
fiona.henderson@fairfaxmedia.com.au