Rubbish and Bins

Council provides a range of waste management services to help residents reduce, recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.

From kerbside bin collections to waste facilities and recycling programs, our goal is to protect the environment and promote sustainable waste practices.

Explore the links below for information on bin services, waste disposal facilities, recycling initiatives and tips for reducing waste in our community.

Household Bin Service

Mackay’s household bin service includes two bins:

  • General Waste Bin (240L, red/green lid) – Collected weekly.
  • Recycling Bin (240L, yellow lid) – Collected fortnightly on the same day as your general waste bin.

To ensure your bin is collected, please follow these guidelines:

  • Check your collection day.
  • Place your bin out by 6am on collection day - Bins are collected between 6am and 6pm.
  • Position your bin correctly – place it on the footpath next to the kerb with the handle facing your house.
  • Ensure clear access – bins should not block driveways, pedestrian pathways or vehicle access.
  • Use the correct bin – general waste and recycling must be placed in their designated bins.
  • Do not overfill the bin – the lid must close fully.
  • Bag general waste - including dust, kitchen scraps and grass clippings.
  • Do not bag recycling - place clean and dry recycling loosely in the bin.
  • Keep garden pruning small to fit inside the bin.
  • Do not exceed the weight limit – bins should not weigh more than 70 kilograms.

Prohibited Items

The following items must not be placed in either bin:

  • Pressure pumps, generators or pressurised energy systems.
  • Gas bottles or flammable items.
  • Batteries and items containing batteries.
  • Large waste items – these must be taken to Paget Waste Management Centre.
  • Bricks, rocks, soil or concrete.
  • Large metal objects.
  • Building materials.
  • Liquids including paints, motor oil or solvents.
  • Toxic or corrosive substances.
  • Needles and syringes.
  • Fire extinguishers.

See your local recycling guide for proper disposal of these items.

Assisted Bin Collection

Council offers an assisted bin collection service for residents who are unable to place their bins out for collection due to medical conditions.

To find out more or to apply, visit Infirm Bin Collection page.

Reporting a Stolen Bin

Wheelie bin theft is a crime. If your bin has been stolen:

  1. Report the theft to Policelink by calling 131 444.
  2. Request a replacement bin by contacting council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529).

Damaged Bin Repairs or Replacement

If your wheelie bin is damaged, contact council on 1300 MACKAY (622 529) or submit a customer request via online services to arrange a repair or replacement.

Maintaining your bin in good condition helps prevent spillage and ensures smooth collection service.

When Do My Bins Get Collected

Recycling bins are collected every two weeks, either in Week 1 or Week 2.

How To Check Your Collection Day

Click on the PDF links below to see which week (1 or 2) and colour applies to your area:

Find Your Collection Day Online

For more detailed information, visit MiMaps and follow these steps:

  1. Click "Accept" to enter the site.
  2. In the top toolbar, select "Searches", then on the side menu, click "Find Road" > "Next".
  3. Start typing your road name and select it from the drop-down list.
  4. Click "Layer List" in the top toolbar.
  5. In the left-hand "Layers" column, check "MRC Community Services", then click “+” to expand.
  6. To find your Recycling Bin week:
    • Check the box for “Recycle Bin”.
    • Click the icon next to “Recycle Bin” to see if you're Week 1 (green) or Week 2 (blue).
  7. Check the 2025 Kerbside Recycling Collection Calendar for exact dates.

Find Your General Waste Bin Day

  • Follow the same steps as above but select “Garbage Bin” instead.
  • Click the icon next to "Garbage Bin" to see if your bin is emptied on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday.

Click on the link for a downloadable version of the (PDF, 998KB)2026 Kerbside Recycling Collection Calendar.(PDF, 987KB)

2025 Recycling calendar

What can go in the general waste bin?

All general waste must be bagged.

  • General household rubbish.
  • Nappies, wet wipes, tissues and paper towel.
  • Food scraps and light garden waste - consider home composting or worm faming for organic waste.
  • Non-recyclable packaging.
  • Soft plastics (any plastic which can be scrunched).

What can go in the recycling bin?

ONLY the following items can go in the recycling bin:

  • Paper and cardboard (eg. newspapers, magazines, cereal boxes).
  • Hard plastic containers and bottles (with recycling symbols 1-5).
  • Glass bottles and jars (remove lids).
  • Aluminium cans, steel cans and tin containers.
  • Milk and juice cartons (remove lids).

Items should be clean, dry and loose (not bagged).

The following items CANNOT be put in your recycling bin and may even contaminate clean recycling causing it to go to landfill:

  • Food scraps and liquids.
  • Garden waste.
  • Batteries, gas bottles or hazardous materials.
  • Plastic bags and soft plastics.
  • Polystyrene and foam packaging.
  • Clothing and textiles.
  • Electronic waste.

See your local recycling guide for proper disposal of non-recyclable items.

What goes where

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