Kerbside bin contamination procedure
Council understands that waste management and recycling can be complicated.
That’s why Kiama Council provides information to our community members and local businesses about correct waste disposal. This helps us all minimise contamination and maximse opportunities to improve resource recovery and divert waste from landfill.
However, some issues still arise because:
- There are varying standards in different LGAs
- There are several bin lid colours
- Packaging labels can be confusing
- Different recycling schemes can also contribute to waste confusion.
For these reasons, Kiama Council will always make a reasonable attempt to work with households and business owners in our Municipality to identify knowledge gaps and barriers to correct waste disposal.
To help minimise contamination in residential and commercial bins, our website provides information on what is accepted in our bins, and a comprehensive A-Z of waste guide.
However, as a last resort, Council may refuse to service a bin until the contamination is removed.
There are also enforcement procedures, and penalties may be imposed if users repeatedly break or ignore the rules and put out contaminated waste for collection.
Contamination – visible at the kerbside
If our waste collection drivers or in-truck cameras detect significant contaminants in your bins, our first step is to let you know and to help you avoid making the same mistake twice.
If you see a contamination sticker has been placed on your bin, it means a contaminant has been detected.
A contaminant is anything that has been placed in the wrong bin.
For example, this can be plastic in your FOGO bin (green lid), bagged-up general waste in your recycling bin (yellow lid), or something prohibited like asbestos in any bin.
If you have received a contamination sticker on your bin, please read the information on the sticker regarding the cause of the issue.
Please rectify the issue and present your bin on your next scheduled collection day. If the bin contents is no longer contaminated, there will be no further action from Council.
A grossly contaminated landfill bin (red lid), recycling bin (yellow lid) or FOGO bin (green lid) will not be collected and the bin lid will be stickered shut. Photo evidence will be logged against the address.
Bin contamination - FAQs
What do I do if I have a contamination sticker on my bin?
The contamination sticker will provide more information regarding the cause of the issue.
Please rectify the issue and present your bin on your next scheduled collection day.
I also received a Contamination Notice letter. What does this mean?
If you bin was stickered previously, you may also receive a Contamination Notice letter. The letter will provide a link to information about appropriate use of bins, including what can and cannot go into each bin.
If your bin is contaminated a third time, you may again be required to remove the contamination before your bins are emptied. You will be advised that if your bin is contaminated again within a specified period, your service may be withdrawn.
What if I believe my bin has been given a contamination sticker incorrectly?
If contamination is found in your bin and is confirmed using in-truck camera recordings to be accurately attributed to your address, you are ultimately responsible for the contamination. If you believe someone has used your bin without your knowledge, please contact us so we can discuss this further.
It is possible to receive a contamination notice without your bin being stickered. For example, this may be if the truck driver was unable to safely stop and exit the truck. If you believe your bin should not have been tagged, that you were not responsible for the contamination, or you wish to discuss the details of the contamination found, please contact us using the information provided in your bin contamination notice.