Collect & Return Waste Service

Most large multi-unit complexes are on what is known as a "Collect & Return" Service. 

These complexes have a bin storage area where bins are kept for the shared use of all residents in the complex. 

Garbage bins are emptied twice weekly and recycling bins are emptied weekly by the contractors directly from the bin storage area. Residents are not required to place their bins at the kerbside. 

Please do not remove bins from the bin storage area so all residents can access and use the bins. 

Please ensure all waste & recycling are placed inside the bins provided. Waste left on the floor of the bay will not be collected.

The yellow-lidded recycling bin

The recyclable items from the recycling bin get separated into different types of materials and are remade into new products, Council even uses the glass collected in these bins to make roads!

How often is the yellow-lidded recycling bin emptied?

• Weekly: The recycling bin is collected weekly

• The waste collection service provided to these complexes does not require residents to place their bins at the kerbside. Please do not remove bins from the bin storage area so all residents can access and use the bins

What can I put in the yellow-lidded recycling bin?

• Please follow these simple recycling steps: "Know it", "Empty it", "Rinse it", "Sort it"! Know what can be recycled, empty contents out, rinse containers and bottles, and sort it in the correct bin.
• To reduce size and bulk, items such as cardboard and drink containers can be squashed or crushed before being placed in the bin.
• Please do not use plastic bags in this bin as they cannot be recycled at the facility.

Please visit The Waste Spot, Council's online destination for all of your waste-related requests.

The red-lidded residual bin

The red-lidded residual bin is for any items that are not suitable for the recycling or FOGO bins and are buried at landfill and not reused or recycled. There are many environmental impacts of waste going to landfill and it is the most expensive way to dispose of waste.

How often is the red-lidded residual bin emptied?

• Twice weekly: The red-lidded bin is collected twice a week by the contractors.

• The waste collection service provided to these complexes does not require residents to place their bins at the kerbside.  Please do not remove bins from the bin storage area so all residents can access and use the bins.

What can I put in the red-lidded residual bin?

• To get the most use out of your residual bin, ensure the only items being placed in this bin are items that cannot be placed in the other bins, booked in as part of a bulky waste collection, given away or sold.

• Recyclable items often take up a lot of space in the residual bin and it is recommended that these items be sorted into the respective yellow-lidded recycling bin

• If you are sorting your waste correctly but are still struggling with capacity, there are other options available such as getting a larger bin.

Please visit The Waste Spot, Council's online destination for all of your waste-related requests.

Additional benefits

4 free Bulky Waste Collections per year

Every household on the 3-Bin Waste Service has four free clean-ups per calendar year. These clean-ups are not scheduled per suburb but are an on-request service. 

You can dispose of items such as old furniture, mattresses, clothing and small items.  Book a clean-up by visiting The Waste Spot, Council's online destination. For more information, see   Bulky Waste or visit The Waste Spot.

Chemical Drop-Off Days

Council hosts a free chemical drop-off day at Jamison Park in Penrith. 

Pack old household cleaners and chemicals, pool chemicals, batteries, gas bottles and oils in the boot of your car. The friendly staff will unload for you and the items collected will be disposed of safely and correctly. For more information, including the next drop-off day, see Chemical Drop-Off Days page.

Electronic-Waste Drop-Off Days

Council holds free electronic waste drop-off days at Jamison Park in Penrith.  

Pack old televisions, computers, microwaves, stereos and other electronic waste in your car or trailer. The friendly staff will unload for you and the items collected will be recycled. All items dropped off are disassembled, sorted and recovered for recycling into new products. 

For more information, including the next drop-off day, see Electronic Waste Drop-Off Days   page.

Free Bin Repairs 

If your bin is broken, cracked or missing a lid, you can organise a free repair by visiting The Waste Spot.