The two types of bin service categories in multi-unit dwellings throughout Georges River Council are: shared bin services and Individual bin services.

Standard waste generation rates

The standard bin allocation is based on a limit of:

• 120L of general waste per unit per week.

• 120L of recycling per unit per week.

• Up to 120L garden organics per unit per week (for units with individual bin services). 

This is standard and remains throughout the Georges River area.

Garden organics bins are optional and not provided automatically to multi-unit dwellings with shared bin services.

For properties with shared bin services, the standard allocation is based on:

• 1 x 240L garden bin per 10 units, with a standard limit of 4 x 240L bins collected weekly. 

Bin allocation or entitlements

Checking your bin allocation

All properties with shared bin services have the number and size of bins provided based on conversion of waste generation rate of 120L of general waste and 120L of recycling per unit per week.

For most multi-unit developments, the standard ratio of shared 240L bins are:

To check your bin allocation you can contact the Waste Hotline on 1800 079 390 or mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.
 

​Requesting garden organics bins 

To request a change or add garden organics bins allocated to a multi-unit dwelling with shared bins services complete the Multi-Unit Dwelling Shared Garden Organics Bin(s) Application Form.
 

Additional bins

Council does not offer extra bins for collection at multi-unit dwellings with shared bin services and can remove any unauthorised bins above this entitlement without notice.

For properties with chutes or bin cupboards on each floor, council provides rotational bins. Rotational bins are strictly to remain under the chute or in cupboard during collection. These bins are not counted as part of the bin allocation for collection and will not be serviced if presented.

The bin replacement program will see current Council-issued mobile bins (red-lidded general waste, yellow-lidded recycling and green-lidded garden organics bins) removed, and new replacement black-bodied bins delivered. 
 

Multi-unit dwellings developments with shared bin services

The bin replacement program is aligning waste services throughout Georges River. The number and size of bins provided inline with the standard waste generation rate of 120L of general waste and 120L of recycling per unit per week.

The property will be allocated bin sizes that may be most appropriate for the property. Bin sizes are: 240L, 660L or 1100L. 

The bin replacement program will begin in late March to July. Properties above 60 units and/or suitable for 660L,1100L bins are due to have bins delivered in the later months of July - August. 

Strata Managers may choose to notify cleaners or maintenance staff of the bin replacement program. If the property is on a Wheel Out Wheel Back service or on-property collection provided by Council’s Waste Collection Contractor, this will be performed by staff. The strata or property manager will receive notification prior to the bin replacements occurring at your property.

New shared bins will have instruction tags attached to them when they are delivered. For most properties with shared bin services Council’s waste collection contractor will move new bins from the kerbside onto private property on the day of bin collection. All current (old) bins will be moved to the kerbside to be emptied – please leave empty old bins at the kerbside as they will be removed 0-3 days later.
 

Why are there these changes to collection frequency and bins?

Council is committed to 1) avoiding, then 2) reducing waste to landfill and 3) increasing recycling. These objectives are supported through Council's Waste Strategy 2021-2040, which was informed through a detailed community consultation program during 2020, which sought community feedback on the various waste services provided by Council, ahead of these recent changes to the waste service as part of the new waste collection contract.

Key Objectives of the Bin Replacement Program:

• Remove ageing bins that are prone to damage. The average lifespan of a bin is approximately 7 years.

• Improve efficiency by replacing bins in bulk, reducing the need for ongoing maintenance of ageing bins.

• Ensure consistency across Georges River by providing standard-sized bins with matching parts, correct logos, clear education signage (on the bin lid) and made from recycled content.​

• The number and size of the new bins delivered will be consistent with the Fees and Charges being paid for by each property through the Rates Account, ensuring a fair and consistent service across the local government area. 

Long Term Benefits of a Standardised Bin Collection Service:

• Consistent service: aligning across former Kogarah and Hurstville council areas, makes it easier for residents, strata, building managers, maintenance staff to monitor and maintain bins as the collection frequency and service types are streamlined. 

• Increased waste capacity: properties that previously had insufficient bin storage with weekly collections will now have the capacity to handle up to 120L for general waste and 120L for recycling per unit per week.

• Reduced kerbside clutter: fewer bins will be left on the kerbside and roads for extended periods, both during and after collection days, improving the overall appearance and accessibility of streets.

• ​Resilience for the future: supports long-term strategies for future waste avoidance and resource recovery programs to align with expected targets, future mandates and legislation by NSW Environmental Protection Agency.

The Strata Managers, Owners Corporation and Building Managers are responsible for maintaining waste and bin storage areas in a safe and hygienic manner. Bins in communal areas of a development must encourage the separation of general waste, commingled recycling, and garden organics.

Essential Minimum Requirements

• Rotate bins in the bin storage area regularly. Move empty bins closest to the entrance and take full bins to the rear of the storage area. This helps prevent overfilling. 

• Inspect bin storage areas regularly and pick up any waste spills.  

• ​Inspect bin condition. Bins must have lids and be secured to prevent wind or animals scattering the litter.

• Clean bins, especially lids and handles, at least once a month. 

• Sweep the bin storage areas at least weekly. 

• Group each bin type together. Red-lidded general waste bins should be closest to the bin storage area entrance to help reduce contamination

• ​Strata Manager and/or Managing Agent is responsible for advising residents, building managers and cleaners of waste service collection conditions, changes or issues.

• Maintain educational signage, ensuring it can be seen and read easily. 

• Manage and clean chutes and other waste management equipment. (bin tug, bin lift etc). 

• Manage access to bulky waste storage to prevent illegal dumping. 

• Provide bins in common areas of the development and remove any litter in and around the development.

Bins may not be emptied if bin storage areas are unsafe for contractors to enter, or the Wheel Out Wheel Back service may be cancelled. The property will then be required to clean the area and place all bins on the kerb for collection.

Scheduled waste services in Georges River Council can take place from 6.00am to 6.00pm.

Some streets have earlier collections between 4.00am to 6.00am to ensure the safety of waste collection staff.

If your waste collection service was missed, you can call the Waste Hotline on 1800 079 390 or use Log it/Fix it to place a “Bin - missed collection or partially emptied” request. If your Wheel Out Wheel Back service was not completed or partially completed you can place a "Waste - Unit bins - Wheel Out Wheel Back service issues (WOWB)" request. 

Missed waste services are generally completed within 48 hours of being reported. 

To request bin replacements or repair you can call the Waste Hotline on 1800 079 390 or use Log it/Fix it to place a “Bin - broken/damaged” or “Bin - lost/stolen” request.

Bins are replaced and repaired without charge. These services are usually completed within 1-4 business days.  

Council reviews the number of bins at all properties. Council reserves the right to remove any unauthorised bins without notice, if the number of bins exceeds the limit of 120L of general waste and 120L of recycling per unit per week.

What is a Wheel Out Wheel Back service?

Council offers a Wheel Out Wheel Back (WOWB) service to all eligible multi-unit dwellings with shared bin services. This service is provided at no additional cost.

The WOWB service allows for Council's waste collection contractor (Veolia) staff to enter private property, wheel bins to the kerbside or other collection point, and then wheel the bins back onto private property after the bins have been emptied.

This assists eligible multi-unit dwellings to present their bins for collection and reduces the duration bins are left on public land.

Requesting or cancelling a WOWB service

Only Strata Managers, Building Managers, or a authorised Body Corporate representative can request a WOWB service or opt-out.

Complete the form below to request a property inspection and express an interest in receiving the WOWB service or cancel a WOWB at a property.

Wheel Out Wheel Back Services - Application Form

A site risk assessment will be conducted to confirm if it meets WOWB criteria or if certain changes are required to be made prior the WOWB commencement. 
 

WOWB service requirements

The safety of Council’s contractors is paramount. Before submitting a WOWB request, please ensure the property has:

• Unobstructed pathway: Ensure the pathway from the bin storage area to the kerbside is clear. The path must be level and an impervious surface. No stairs or steps.

• Provision of access: Gates that can be opened easily and safely from the outside if bin storage is locked. The gates or doors must be unlocked by 9.00pm the night before collection. Otherwise, the contractor must be provided with keys, remotes, pin code, swipe card or lock box to access the bin storage area.
  
  Strata, Building Managers and Owners Corporations are responsible for providing access to the bin storage area. This includes providing replacement keys/remote/swipe cards if they are lost. If locks are replaced, Council must be informed and provided with a replacement.

• ​Adequate lighting: Council recommends sensor lighting in the bin storage area and on the paths to the kerbside.

• Clean and safe storage areas: Bin and waste storage areas that are clean, safe and hygienic, and maintained as such.​

Strata, building manager and residents' responsibilities to maintain WOWB service

Council is not responsible for collecting litter, excess waste or non-compliant bins this includes:  

• Loose waste placed in the bin storage area.

• Waste on the lids of bins.

• Waste on the floor of bin storage areas or pathways obstructing their collection.

• Overflowing bin(s) or contaminated bin(s) with incorrect or unacceptable items.  

• Heavy bin(s). Two-wheeled 240L bins must not weigh more than 70kg.​

If you do not adhere to these requirements, you risk non-collection of the bins and cancellation of your WOWB service

The WOWB service will only be provided from the approved bin storage area. A change of bin location will need a new risk assessment.

The WOWB is provided at the discretion of Council, in consultation with the waste collection contractors, and is subject to a safety, risk and site assessment.
 

Properties without a WOWB Service

Should Council not be unable to provide or must cancel a WOWB service, the Building or Strata Manager must engage a caretaker to take the bins to and from the kerbside. This must occur:

• No earlier than 12 hours before the collection (unless otherwise specified by Council).

• No later than 12 hours after the collection (unless otherwise specified by Council).

Early presentation or failure to remove bins may incur fines or cancellation of waste services.

To ensure waste collection services are provided, Council requires the following: 

• ​Place bins on the kerbside no earlier than 12 hours before collection (unless otherwise specified by Council).

• Return bins to your property within 12 hours of the collection (unless otherwise specified by Council).

• ​Placed bins in a single row on the kerbside (unless otherwise specified by Council).

• Bin lid opening must face the street.

• Bin lids are kept closed.

• Bins must not contain incorrect items (contamination).

• Two wheeled bins must weigh under 70kg.

• Ensure your bins are at least:

  • 1 metre away from parked cars, poles or trees.

  • 3 metres clear from overhead lines or wires.

  • 30 centimetres apart from the next bin.

Note: By not adhering to these requirements, you risk non-collection of your bin(s).

Bin placement to ensure collection

Council may provide on-site collection services for certain developments. These properties must meet certain collection vehicle access requirements. They must allow a council-contracted waste collection vehicle to stand on-site and service bins and bulky waste.

Developments may be eligible if they have:

• Turntable access and operation to enable access by a collection vehicle with rear bin loading.

• Waste Loading Zone access and operation to enable access by a collection vehicle with rear bin loading.

On-site collection must cater for the following waste rear loader vehicle specifications. Note these are for vehicles larger than a standard 8.8-metre-long ‘medium rigid vehicle’ (MRV) from AS2890.2-2018.

• Length: 10.5 meters.

• Width: 2.5 meters.

• Travel height: 3.9 metres.

• Operational height for loading: 3.9 metres.

• Vehicle tare weight: 13.1 tonnes.

• Maximum payload: 10 tonnes.

• Loaded vehicle mass estimate: 23 tonnes.

• Turning circle: 25 meters.

• Appropriate surface grades.

To request an on-property waste collection service assessment, please e-mail mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au. The subject line should include your property address and “Attention Waste Development Officer, On-site waste collection”.

Strata management must sign a professional indemnity form for collections to proceed.

Council offers the Bulky Waste Collection services (up to 2 x 3m³ collections per rateable property) each calendar year.

• 5 or less units: Multi-unit dwellings consisting of 5 or less units can book Bulky Waste Collections for their own unit individually.

• 6 or more units: Multi-unit dwellings consisting of 6 or more units must contact their Strata or Body Corporate or authorised agent to organise a Bulky Waste Collection on the behalf of the entire property.
   

How to book a Bulky Waste Collection

Strata Managers, Building Managers or Body Corporates are responsible for:

• Managing Bulky Waste Collections on behalf of residents.

• Booking the service and clearly advising residents of the date.

• Ensuring that acceptable items are presented for collection in an orderly manner. Items must not obstruct roads, footpaths or driveways. ​

• Ensuring items are placed at the correct time and place. On the kerbside the night before the collection date (unless On-Property Collection authorised).

Illegal Dumping and littering are offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and may attract fines. Strata Managers, Building Managers or Body Corporates are responsible for removing unlawful material from Council land.

Leaving any items on public land without permission is considered Illegal Dumping including placing items out too early or placing unacceptable items such as hazardous waste which will not be collected.​

If you see Illegal Dumping or find dumped materials, please report it by using the request form below:

Report Illegal Dumping via Log It/Fix It

Often illegal dumping is found near multi-unit developments due to the high turnover of residents or the possibility for anonymity.  

Strata and Building Managers can help deter illegal dumping by: 

• Advising residents of upcoming kerbside clean up services, including acceptable and unacceptable items for collection.

• Correctly advising cleaners or gardeners of acceptable waste management practices.

• Engaging private waste contractors for the removal of excess waste.

• Adequately lighting common areas like paths, driveways and other shared areas.

• Ensuring a clean, tidy and well-presented property with clean bin bay areas.

• Installing CCTV cameras where possible, or working with Council to enable the installation of CCTV cameras. 

​Illegal Dumping and littering are offences under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 and may attract fines. Strata Managers, Building Managers or Body Corporates are responsible for removing unlawful material from Council land.

The standard bin allocation is 120L of general waste and 120L of recycling waste per unit per week. Council does not provide additional bins above these limits.

Strata Managers, Owners Corporations and Building Managers are responsible for disposing of excess waste. They must engage certified private waste collection contractors at cost to residents/Strata.

Consider these following options for excess waste prevention and disposal:

• Request waste educational signage and materials to assist and promote with waste separation and recycling at the property. 

• Remind residents that they are able to attend the free E-Waste Drop-Off and Household Chemical Cleanout events and follow Council's social media or newsletter for updates.

• ​Visit Planet Ark or the A-Z Recycling Guide for more waste management and recycling options.

The following provides a list of forms and links most commonly used by Building Manager, Owners Corporation or Strata Managers:

lf you can’t find what you need, please contact the Waste Team at mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au. The subject line should include your property address and be marked for attention of the “Waste Development Officer”.

Council provides free waste education materials. To request education materials, workshops or any other waste education enquiries please email mail@georgesriver.nsw.gov.au.

Strata Managers, Building Managers and Owners Corporations are responsible for:

• Installing and maintaining the signage.

• Requesting and distributing educational materials to all residents.

Council has the following materials available for order or download by clicking the image thumbnails. 

How to maintain my bin storage area poster

Material & Size	Usage	Link
Medium corflute poster A2 – 42cm x 59cm	For bin storage area or noticeboards to remind users of their scheduled bin collection days and number of bins.

What goes in my bin? posters and stickers

Material & Size	Usage	Link
Medium corflute poster A2 - 42cm x 59cm	For most bin rooms or bin cupboards
Large corflute posters  A1 - 59cm x 84cm	For large bin rooms or loading docks.
Bin vinyl stickers/posters A3 - 30cm x 42cm	For sticking on bin bodies (when storage area walls are not suitable for posters) or use as posters on bin cupboard doors or notice boards.
Small vinyl bin lid or shoot stickers 21cm x 21cm	For 240L bin lids or waste chute doors.