Bass Coast Shire Council's annual fee-free green waste disposal period will run from Saturday November 2 to Sunday November 24 to encourage preparation for the fire season.

During this time, Bass Coast residents and ratepayers can dispose of green waste free of charge at Council's Waste Facilities in Grantville, Wonthaggi, Inverloch and Cowes.

Now is the perfect time for property owners and residents to clear their land of bushfire hazards before summer. Bushfire hazards include fuel like leaf litter, plants, and other debris. If left to build up, these materials can feed a fire and make it more dangerous.

With the first weekend of the disposal period coinciding with the Melbourne Cup weekend and waste facilities remaining open on Melbourne Cup Day, Council has advised high demand may lead to queues and delays, particularly on this first weekend.

"Disposing of your green waste in the middle of the fee-free period may help you avoid delays," a council spokesperson said.

"To ensure the safety of our staff and community during this busy period, Cowes Recycling Bank will be introducing a booking system for the first time.

"Those dropping off green waste must book a free 15-minute time slot. Bookings are not required for Grantville, Wonthaggi or Inverloch."

Those visiting Cowes Recycling Bank should also note:

• Large trucks and trailers (over 8' x 5') are not accepted and will be redirected to Grantville Transfer Station during the fee-free green waste period.
• Cowes Recycling Bank has a new entry point. Please follow the 'Entry' and 'Exit' signs.
• Entry for fee-free green waste disposal is via The Concourse end of Dunsmore Road, not the Settlement Road end, to help manage traffic.
• Weed species including blackberry, English ivy, agapanthus, mirror bush and plants that cannot be mulched such as palm fronds are not accepted as green waste at any council locations, however these can go in your kerbside Organics (green lid) bin at any time.

To book your drop-off time at Cowes Recycling Bank or learn what's accepted, locations, and hours of Council's Waste Facilities, visit www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/greenwaste