Waste Management

Waste Containers

An adequate number of suitable containers should be provided for the storage of all garbage and recyclable wastes generated between collections (other than bulky wastes not normally stored in containers):

Garbage and general waste should be stored in durable, rigid containers that are impervious, capable of being easily and effectively cleaned, leak-proof, and covered with close-fitting lids to prevent access by pests and other animals
Plastic garbage bags are easily punctured or torn and should only be used as bin liners or to bag waste before placing it into rigid containers
Unbaled cardboard and paper waste should be stored in covered containers to prevent litter from escaping – Cardboard boxes should be flattened to save space
Bottles may be stored in bins or crates – All bottles should have their caps removed and be completely drained before putting them into waste containers
Other recyclable materials such as ferrous and non-ferrous metals should be sorted and stored in separate bins or containers to facilitate recycling.

All waste containers should be clearly labelled to ensure that the correct wastes are placed in the containers.

Bulky Wastes

Bulky wastes such as paper bales, polystyrene boxes, empty drums and disused fittings, appliances and furniture should be stored carefully to prevent the creation of unsightly conditions, and be protected from the weather if this is necessary to prevent deterioration.

Polystyrene boxes should be stacked and taped together to facilitate handling and prevent them from being blown about by the wind.

Drums and other articles that can hold water should be stored under cover.

Waste Storage Areas

Waste storage areas should be constructed to allow easy cleaning and be conveniently located for users and servicing purposes.

Storage areas should also be located in a position where the impact of noise (particularly during servicing) can be kept to a minimum.

All waste storage areas should be paved with concrete and be screened from public view where possible. Garbage storage areas for food businesses should also be graded and drained to the sewerage system and be effectively roofed.

Waste containers must not be stored in carparking spaces or left on footpaths, laneways or other public places.

Garbage Rooms

A garbage room should be provided where garbage needs to be stored inside a building.

Garbage rooms should be constructed in accordance with the following requirements:

The room should be of adequate dimensions to comfortably accommodate the required number of waste and recycling containers and any compactors or other equipment installed
The floor should be constructed of concrete finished to a smooth even surface, coved at the intersections with the walls and graded and drained to the sewerage system
The walls should be constructed of brickwork, concrete blockwork or similar solid material cement rendered to a smooth, even surface and painted with a light coloured washable paint
The ceiling should be constructed of a rigid smooth faced, non-absorbent material and painted with a light coloured washable paint
The room should be provided with a close-fitting, self-closing door that is openable from inside the room without the use of a key. A separate roller door may be provided for servicing purposes
All doors should be finished with a smooth faced, impervious material that is capable of being easily cleaned
The room should be provided with adequate natural ventilation direct to the outside air or an adequate system of mechanical exhaust ventilation
The room should be provided with adequate artificial lighting controllable by a switch near the access door.

Container Servicing

Containers should be serviced at regular intervals, with additional servicing on demand. The service frequency should be sufficient to avoid overfilling of the containers.

For restaurants and other businesses processing food, daily servicing may be required.

Hygiene and Maintenance

Waste storage areas should be maintained in a clean and tidy condition, and any spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent odour, litter and pest problems.

Waste containers should also be kept as clean as practicable.

Householders should wrap or bag putrescible waste to help maintain their storage areas and containers in a clean condition.

Garbage storage areas for food businesses and garbage rooms should have a tap with a hose connection for washing down the storage area or room and the containers.

All wash water from the floor and containers must be disposed of to sewer, in accordance with the requirements of Sydney Water. It is an offence to allow wash water to enter the stormwater system.

The waste service provider is usually responsible for the maintenance of their containers and any defects (eg. damaged lids, leaking drain plugs, etc) should be reported and repaired promptly.

Access

Ready access must be provided for servicing purposes.

The paving to the collection point from the waste storage area or garbage room should be designed and constructed to allow the containers to be safely and easily moved.

Where containers are required to be placed at the kerbside for servicing, the containers should be put out no earlier than the evening before collection day and be returned to the storage area or room as soon as possible after servicing.

Where collection vehicles drive onto the site, the driveway and loading areas should be designed to allow the vehicles to safely and easily manoeuvre.

Liquid and Hazardous Wastes

All liquid wastes should be treated and discharged to the sewerage system in accordance with the requirements of Sydney Water or be collected and transported to a liquid waste facility for recycling or disposal.

Before discharging trade wastewater to the sewerage system you will need to apply for permission through an Application for connection to discharge trade waste water from Sydney Water.

Hazardous wastes must be stored, handled and disposed of in accordance relevant occupational health and environment protection legislation.

Storage containers for waste liquids (e.g. oils, solvents, etc) should be stored in a covered and bunded area to prevent the escape of spills or leaks.

Installation of Grease Traps

A grease trap must be installed if required by Sydney Water.

Where it is necessary to install the grease trap inside the building, it should be located in a special room with access for servicing from outside the building.

Grease traps must not be installed in areas used for the preparation or storage of food, or be accessed through these areas.

More Information

For further information contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on 9952 8222.