Bin feedback program

Households will be randomly selected to be a part of the program. They may have their bins inspected up to three times.

An 'inspection' means a contractor selected by Council will open the lid of the bin when you put it at the kerbside for collection. They will do a visual check of the top layer of waste and note whether there is an item that doesn't belong in that bin. The contents of the bins will not be emptied  or rummaged through, however a tool may be used to move large items on the top.

If everything looks OK from the inspection, we’ll let you know with a thank you tag on your bin. You will be invited to enter an optional monthly draw to win vouchers for local businesses.

When people put recyclable or compostable items in the general rubbish bin, we 'lose' materials to landfill that we could recycle instead.

When people put the wrong items in the recycling bin, they 'contaminate' the recyclables. In some cases, an entire truckload must go to landfill instead of being recycled.

So, there are two main reasons for the trial:

Help people put the right item in the right bin. We want to recycle more and send less to landfill to help our environment.

Save the Council and our ratepayers' money. Right now, high landfill fees and penalties can cost rate payers an extra $590,000 each year.

If we find the wrong things in your bins, you will get a tag on your bin letting you know what the problem was. You will also get a flyer in your letterbox that will help you recycle right.

If we find the wrong items again, we may send a letter with more information and resources. We may also send a letter to the Owners Corporation if the bins belong to an apartment building, or contact you by phone.

As part of the program, City of Stonnington will collect your residential address and unique bin number. We will also collect non-personal information such as your bin fullness, photographs of any contamination and related inspection data.

For more information, view our Bin Feedback Program privacy collection notice.