Looking after your bins

Your bins are allocated to you and your property and/or the unit block you live in.  To keep them safe, undamaged and cleaner for longer council asks to bring in your bins within 12 hours of being emptied.

Here is why and some tips for how to keep them clean.

Don’t let your bins get mixed up or stolen

Number your bins so they are easily identifiable and don’t get lost. You can also personalise your bin with decals (stickers) or in other creative ways!

Don’t let others use your bins

Bins left out may be used by others which can lead to non-recyclable items in your recycling bin - we call this contamination. Contaminated bins will be rejected by our collection crew.

Keep your neighbourhood nice and clean 

• Love your bins and bring them in so they don’t block the footpath or roadway. Everybody needs good neighbours.
• Do not overfill your bin, as this can result in litter being blown out. Make sure that the bin lid can be shut. Overflowing bins will not be collected.

Tips for caring for your bin 

• Store your bin on private property. 
• A well ventilated area out of direct sunlight will help keep your bin from smelling.
• Placing some food waste into a compost or worm farm will help with bugs, smells and mess in your bins. Alternatively wrap your meat/fish scraps in newspaper, place them in a plastic container and freeze until the night before garbage collection.
• To clean your bin hose it with water and use a mop or broom for scrubbing on a garden or grassed area. Please keep water restrictions in mind and ensure your hose is fitted with a trigger nozzle. Do not use chemicals that will go down the storm water drain and harm our waterways.  Vinegar and bicarbonate soda are great natural cleaning alternatives.
• Sprinkle salt along bin rims. Sprinkle bicarb soda (baking soda) inside the bin after it has been cleaned. Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil in water and spray inside the bin to stop fruit flies. 
• Keep an eye out for cracks and damaged wheels. Council will repair or replace damaged bins free of charge. Call Customer Service on 9392 5000 or fill out the online form in the Waste and Recycling section.