Using our recycling (yellow) and food and garden waste (green) bins correctly is a simple and effective way to care for the environment.
When we put the right items in our bins, we help ensure they can be collected and accepted items can be recycled or composted.
Feedback from our recycling facilities and our annual waste audits reveal opportunities for our community to improve recycling practices.
We want to help Darebin residents recycle better. From May 2026, we are running a bin feedback program:
Every year, we audit household bins to better understand the composition of materials in the bins and to plan our education activities.
Our waste collection contractor, Solo, collects the waste and recycling bin contents of about 750 household bins that are randomly selected from across the municipality. This waste is collected in one place and sorted into different categories to understand how residents are using their bins.
The 2026 waste audits are due in May–June.
Contamination occurs when incorrect items are placed in the recycling (yellow) bin or the food and garden waste (green) bin. These items cannot be processed in that stream and must be removed before recycling, which adds time and cost to the recycling process.
When the wrong items are placed in the recycling or food and garden waste bins, they contaminate the load. These items must be separated at processing facilities and are often sent to landfill, increasing disposal costs. The Bin Feedback Program helps reduce contamination, recover more recyclable and organic materials to be reused, and keep waste‑management costs down for the community.
Staff have checked your bin contents prior to collection. The sticker provides feedback on how well the bin has been sorted:
Council staff inspected your bin before collection and found that a significant portion of the contents were incorrect for that bin type. Council is required to ensure that only acceptable materials are sent to processing facilities.
If you remove the incorrect items within 24 hours of your usual collection time, you may contact Customer Service to request a recollection.
Authorised council staff and contractors may inspect Council‑owned bins placed on the nature strip.
They will be wearing high‑visibility clothing and carry official identification.
They will not enter private property, remove items from your bin, or access any personal information.
If someone without identification attempts to inspect your bin or enters private property, please contact the police.