The team inspect around 1300 bins per day to improve recycling, reduce contamination and help residents understand their waste.

Why is it important for the community to put the right thing in their recycling bin?

We’ve all got an obligation to ensure that only items that can be recycled go into the yellow bin to reduce contamination and waste charges on our rates. We all need to do our bit for the environment and to avoid landfill filling up quicker than needed.

How does your team find contamination in recycling bins?

There is a camera on the truck that captures the bin contents being emptied into the hopper. My team will see the contamination, tag the bin to help educate the resident, enter the data into an iPad and then continue the process. 

What common contaminants do you see?

A lot of bagged rubbish. Some people put everything into a bag, tie it up and place it into their yellow bin. Recyclables need to be kept loose otherwise the bag will go straight to landfill. We also see soft plastics, pillows and a lot of Styrofoam in new estates from furniture packaging.

What is the strangest item you’ve found?

It was surprising to see the body of a lawn mower once. I have also seen large security safes and gas bottles. The strangest thing that I have heard of being put into a yellow bin was a dead animal.

Tell us one of the things you like most about your job.

There are a lot of things that I like about this job. Educating people, seeing the change and knowing that what I am doing is making a difference. I enjoy seeing the contamination rate lower and people caring about helping the environment. I also enjoy working with good people.

What is your worst day?

A very windy or rainy day. Bins fall over causing rubbish to blow all over the nature strip. We help the driver of the truck by picking up the bins.

Do you have any tips for a windy day?

If a bin is over full and the lid is half open, the wind will catch the bin lid causing it to fall over. On my bin at home, I have zip tied a full 600ml water bottle to one of the handles. It adds weight to the bin lid and reduces the chance of it falling over.

What are some of the challenges in your job?

We must be cautious of Powerlines as they can be dangerous. Once I witnessed a powerline catch onto the back of the truck. We waited in the car at a safe distance until emergency services came to clear it. We also need to be careful of swooping birds protecting their nests and dogs off-leash. Sometimes the truck driver will not see an overhanging tree branch and will hit it. When this happens, we will pull the tree branch off the road and onto the nature strip. 

What is your number one recycling tip?

Keep your recyclables loose and not in a bag. Put your recycling into a bucket and tip the bucket into the yellow bin. If unsure, place the item into the red bin.

What do you wish the community knew that could help you with your job?

If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to come and approach us in a respectful manner. Please show us the same respect that we show you. We’re here to help, not to cause any issues and we’re happy to chat anytime.