Home » News » Need a hand to get ready for extreme weather season?

Need a hand to get ready for extreme weather season?

Cook Shire Council is offering extra support this cyclone season through the Handy Help Pick-Up program.

Eligible residents can register to have their eligible waste picked up for rree* during Free Dumping Days (1–16 November 2025).

Who is eligible?

  • Residents on an age or disability pension.
  • Living within a defined kerbside collection area.
  • Able to provide proof of residence and pension/disability card.

How it works:

  • Residents must opt-in by 12 noon, Sunday 12 October 2025 by calling Council’s Waste Team on 4082 0500.
  • Council will then confirm your registration and provide you with a letter outlining:
    • Confirmation of your eligibility
    • Reminder of accepted waste types
    • Your collection date and the name of the contractor assigned to you
  • PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KEEP YOUR CONFIRMATION LETTER as you will need to hand it to contractors upon collection of your waste
  • Residents are responsible for stockpiling eligible waste in an accessible spport on their property before their designated collection day
  • Contractors will collect your letter when they pick up your waste and present it at the waste facility gate as confirmation.

Important:

  • This free service is for the collection on stockpiled waste only.
  • Residents are responsible for stockpiling only eligible waste in an accessible spot on their property before collection day.
  • Mixed or ineligible waste will not be collected and may attract standard waste fees.