In 2018, experts predicted that a cashless future was two to three generations away.

Then, with the COVID–19 pandemic, a fear of transmission coupled with lockdowns and other restrictions led to a boom in online shopping and cashless payments globally.

Ironically, Sweden, the first European country to introduce banknotes in 1661, became the world’s first cashless society on 24 March 2023.

Now almost a year on from that, the Lachlan Shire Council is one local organisation embracing the trend by transitioning away from accepting cash at any of its waste facilities.

From 1 April 2024, all Council operated waste management facilities, including facilities at Condobolin, Lake Cargelligo and Tottenham will be cashless.

According to Lachlan Shire Council’s General Manager, Mr Greg Tory, “this decision will protect the health and welfare of our staff and people using the facility by reducing the need to handle cash".

And they could be (pardon the pun!) right on the money with this decision.

According to TIME magazine, paper money can reportedly carry more germs than a household toilet.

Paper - or polymer - bills are a hospitable environment for gross microbes: viruses and bacteria can live on most surfaces for about 48 hours, but paper money can reportedly transport a live flu virus for up to 17 days.

Lachlan Shire says their waste management facilities will soon only accept payments made electronically using either credit or debit cards.

"This will save the community money in the long term through a reduction in the need for on-site security at waste facilities and processing of cash collected," Mr Tory said.

And while some say the move to a cashless society is inevitable, there are plenty of supporters to keep the coins and bills flowing.

National Seniors Australia said the move towards a cashless society will disproportionately impact seniors who may struggle with technology and online banking, highlighting concerns about digital exclusion.

Many seniors are not comfortable banking online because they're not tech savvy, and they're concerned about online and credit card scams. In many cases, cash is all they're familiar with, and is their only way to make financial transactions.

As for Lachlan Council, they advise that waste facilities are already accepting cashless payments. Residents may continue to use cash up until 31 March 2024, but from Saturday, 1 April 2024 all payments must be made through EFTPOS.

There's valid opinions from both sides of the debate, but it's really a moot point for Lachlan Shire residents wanting to use local waste facilities.

It's a cashless card or keep it in your yard!