Correct waste disposal is important for reducing landfill, recovering valuable resources and safeguarding our environment. Find out what goes in each bin and how to dispose of waste that cannot go in the bins.
Find on this page:
- Garden organics (GO) bin (lime green lid)
- Recycling bin (yellow lid bin)
- General waste bin (red lid bin)
- Items not suitable for any bin
- Waste disposal guides and learning kit
- Recycle Right app
- More information and contact
- Related pages
Garden organics (GO) bin (lime green lid)
Use this bin for loose garden organic waste, including:
- Lawn clippings
- Small branches (up to 1 metre long and 6 cm thick)
- Leaves and flower
- Tree cuttings
- Weeds
- Sticks, and twigs.
Properties still on the two-bin system can dispose of garden organics in their general waste bin.
Handy tips for using your Garden Organic (GO) bin
- To keep your GO bin working efficiently and to minimise odour:
- Place items loosely inside
- Store it in a shaded, sheltered area
- Layer drier materials like small branches and sticks at the bottom for better airflow.
- Place it out for collection every fortnight, even if not fully filled.
- If moving your bin is difficult, collect plant cuttings, grass clippings and weeds in a bucket or reusable container before emptying them into your bin. Using a tarp under bushes can make collecting plant cuttings easier and cleaner.
Recyling bin (yellow lid)
This bin is strictly for the following recyclable materials:
- Clean paper (not shredded)
- Flattened clean cardboard
- Clean aluminium and steel cans
- Glass
- Plastic bottles and containers (remove lids; lids can be placed in the general waste bin or saved for recycling programs)
Tips for using your recycling bin
- Ensure items are rinsed
- Remove lids (place these in your general waste bin)
- Do not place items in plastic bags.
For more information, watch this helpful video on what you can put in your yellow recycling bin.
Have you heard about Containers for Change?
Many recyclable drinking containers qualify for a 10-cent refund. Consider returning these containers to free up space in your recycling bin, or to support charities or community fundraising.
There are many refund points across the City. To find out more, visit the Containers for Change website.
General waste bin (red lid)
This bin is for disposal of the following items:
- Food organics e.g. food waste, fruit and vegetable scraps
- Animal waste
- Nappies, wipes, hygiene products, and tissue paper
- Soiled paper products and paper towel
- Bagged shredded paper
- Meat trays
- Bottle lids
- Scrunchable soft plastic packaging
- Clothing and textiles.
- Foil lined containers, such as long-life milk cartons.
Your general waste bin is delivered to Tamala Park where the contents are offloaded into landfill. You can help send less to landfill by making a few small changes to reduce the amount of waste you dispose of.
Items not suitable for any bin
Certain items are safety and environmental risks. These should not be placed in any kerbside bin:
- Electronic waste (e-waste): televisions, tablets, monitors, hard drives, etc. e-waste can be collected by booking a bulk verge e-waste collection, or you can take it to a waste disposal and recycling facility.
- Household hazardous waste: batteries, aerosols, flammable liquids, paints, pesticides, etc. Find out how to dispose of household hazardous waste.
- Problematic waste: tyres, asbestos, sharps/needles, medicines. You can take these items to a waste disposal and recycling facility.
Waste disposal guides and learning kits
The City has developed resources to assist residents in correctly using the three bin system and properly disposing of waste. These resources include a detailed guide, a two-page flyer, and an interactive learning kit. All are available in multiple languages for our culturally and linguistically diverse community.
To access the guides and learning kit, visit the Waste education, resources and events page.
Recycle Right app
Have waste sorting and drop off information at your fingertips by downloading the Recycle Right app.
More information and contact
If you require further information, please call the City on (08) 9405 5000 or complete an online general enquiry form.