Green waste recycling service
Green waste recycling bins are an easy, affordable way to recycle your green waste. Almost 20% of the average general waste bin in Brisbane includes garden waste, a valuable resource that when placed in a green bin, helps create high quality compost.
Be prepared for storm season by using your green bin for lawn clippings, prunings and leaves.
Green waste bins are collected fortnightly and taken to a green waste recycling facility. There, the green waste is composted for reuse on gardens and farms.
What you can and can't put in your green recycling bin
Acceptable and unacceptable bin items
| Acceptable items | Unacceptable items |
|---|---|
|
|
Tips for use
- Never bag green waste before placing in the green waste recycling bin.
- Items should be no larger than 10 centimetres in diameter and 75 centimetres in length.
- Keep the bin closed at all times by cutting down long palm fronds and other oversized green waste items.
- Ensure the bin does not exceed 70 kg. Heavy bins are too difficult for the waste truck to lift.
For large volumes of green waste, consider using a garden bag collection service or Council’s resource recovery centres which accept green waste.
Apply for a green waste recycling bin
Before you order a green waste recycling bin, check you have enough room to store the bin on your property and enough space on the kerbside for collection.
You can request a maximum of two bins per household. Council will assess your needs if you require more than two bins.
House owners (single unit dwellings)
To order a green waste recycling bin for your home, you can use your rate account number (included on your rate account) or your address.
You can also order a green waste recycling bin for your home by:
- phoning Council on 07 3403 8888
- visiting Council.
Unit owners (multi-unit dwellings)
Owners of multi-unit dwellings may be eligible for the green waste recycling service and can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If a unit is strata titled (owner-occupied), the owner can order a green waste recycling bin. Council will contact the owner to confirm where the bin will be placed and who will present the bin for collection.
If the property has a building manager or body corporate, they must provide approval before the unit owner orders the bin.
Unit owners can order a green waste recycling bin by:
- phoning Council on 07 3403 8888
- visiting Council.
Tenants
Tenants must get the property owner to approve and order the green waste recycling bin.
Cost of service
The cost for each bin:
| Number of bins | 1 x 240 litre green waste recycling bin |
|---|---|
| Quarterly charge | $12.38 |
| Billing process | Charges will appear on your rates account |
The cost of the service is for bin production and collection costs. These costs are not covered by existing rates charges.
Billing and conditions
Billing will start when your collection service starts.
If you wish to cancel the service, billing will cease from the date the property owner notifies Council of the cancellation.
Bin collection and delivery
Council will normally deliver your new green waste recycling bin within three working days of placing your order.
Bins are collected every fortnight, alternating with your yellow top recycling bin.
Transfer of service
Green waste recycling bins are transferrable from one property to another or from one person to another. Contact Council to transfer a bin.
Green waste frequently asked questions
What change is being made to the green waste recycling service?
From 1 July 2023, Council reduced the cost of the green waste recycling service from $93.68 to less than $50 for all users.
Why is Council reducing the cost of the green waste recycling service now?
In alignment with Council’s Brisbane. Clean, Green, Sustainable 2017-2031 strategy and to help offset the rising cost of living, Council has reduced the cost of the green waste recycling service to encourage sustainable practices and reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
Is my property eligible for the green waste recycling service?
To check your property’s eligibility for the green waste recycling service, please phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
I already have a green waste recycling bin; can I have a second?
An eligible property can have up to three green waste recycling bins, however this is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Each bin will be charged at the new full rate of $49.52 for the service.
Will there be any changes to my current service?
No changes are expected to occur to the current green waste recycling services.
Will I be reimbursed for previous years’ payments?
No reimbursements will be made for green waste recycling services in previous years.
What is the wait period for a new bin delivery?
Council will strive to deliver your new green waste recycling bin within three working days of placing your order. However, depending on demand, this time may increase. Please rest assured that every effort will be made to ensure minimal impact and efficient delivery.
How do I order a green bin?
To order a green waste recycling bin, the property owner can use their rate account number (included on the rate account) or address and place an order online. The property owner can also order a green waste recycling bin by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 or visiting Council.
Can tenants apply for a green waste service?
Tenants must liaise with their property owner to approve and order the green waste recycling bin.
I live in an apartment – am I eligible for the green waste recycling service?
Owners of multi-unit dwellings may be eligible for the green waste recycling service and can be assessed on a case-by-case basis. If a unit is strata titled (owner-occupied), the owner can order a green waste recycling bin. Council will contact the owner to confirm where the bin will be placed and who will present the bin for collection.
If the property has a building manager or body corporate, they must provide approval before the unit owner orders the bin.
How was the new cost price determined?
A review of South-East Queensland Local Government Area green waste services and pricing was conducted to ensure the fee continues to remain in line with current offerings.
What can I put in my green waste bin?
Acceptable items that can be placed in your green waste bin include:
- grass clippings
- small garden prunings from shrubs and trees
- Palm fronds, twigs, small branches, leaves and loose bark
- flowers and foilage
- weeds, ivy, creepers and vines.
All other items are unacceptable and must not be placed in your green waste recycling bin. Please ensure all materials are no larger than 10 centimetres in diameter and 75 centimetres in length and that the lid of the bin can close.
Can I place food in my green waste bin?
Food cannot be placed in the green waste recycling bin unless you live in one of the food waste recycling service pilot areas.
How do I pay for the green waste recycling service?
The billing for your account will start when the green waste recycling bin is delivered. The charge will be added to your rates account. Rates accounts are issued quarterly and can be paid using Council's online payment service, by phone, in person or by mail.
How do I order a green waste bin for my investment property?
Property owners of single unit dwelling investment properties can use their rate account number (included on the rate account) or address and place an order online. The property owner can also order a green waste recycling bin for a single unit dwelling by phoning Council on 07 3403 8888 or visiting Council.
Ensure that the tenant at your investment property is willing and able to present the green waste recycling bin for collection to make the most of the green waste recycling service.
Will my existing service date change?
No changes are expected to occur to current green waste recycling services.
What is the collection schedule for the green waste recycling service?
Bins are collected every fortnight, alternating with your yellow top recycling bin. You can use the bin calendar to find the collection day for your address.
Will there be a delay in delivery and service of the new green waste recycling bins ordered?
Every effort will be made to ensure that your new green waste recycling service is implemented as soon as possible. However, if there is high demand, there may be some delay in the commencement of service for your new green waste recycling bin. If your service has not yet commenced, we encourage you to utilise your waste vouchers and visit one of our Resource Recovery Centres or store the green waste in a secure and safe manner until the bin can be presented for collection. Council will endeavour to keep you updated every step of the way.
Video - Be part of Brisbane's recycling story with a green waste bin
You can also watch this video on Council's YouTube channel.