Are Rubbish Pickers Breaking the Law? What You Must Know About Your Kerbside Bins!
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As the cost of living continues to rise, Australians are finding creative ways to stretch their dollars. One such method that's gaining traction is 'bin scavenging,' where individuals sift through residential recycling bins to collect refundable recyclables. This practice is particularly popular due to programs like the NSW government's Return and Earn, which offers a 10-cent refund for eligible bottles and has issued over $1 billion in refunds since 2017. But this begs the question: Is it legal for people to go through your bins once they're out on the kerb?
The legality of bin scavenging can be a grey area and often depends on local council regulations. In New South Wales, for instance, most councils do not issue fines for rummaging through waste as long as the scavengers are not trespassing on private property or leaving litter scattered around. Exchange for Change, the coordinators for Return and Earn, generally discourage bin diving due to the potential disruption and litter it can cause. They advise residents who are concerned about bin fossicking to report incidents to their local council or contact the police if trespassing occurs.
For those who wish to deter bin scavengers, there are proactive steps you can take. Residents can return eligible drink containers to a nearby return point, donate them to a local charity or community group, or simply put a sign on their bin indicating that all containers have already been cashed in. These measures not only discourage scavengers but also support charitable causes and ensure that recyclables are properly processed.
However, the rules around bin raiding can vary significantly in other states. In Victoria, for example, the town of Wodonga enforces a local law that prohibits interference with rubbish bins on the kerbside, with potential fines of $180. Similarly, Redland City Council in Queensland states that under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019, it's illegal to disturb the contents of any waste container, including household wheelie bins, unless it's your own rubbish or you're the council's waste and recycling collection contractor.
Safety is also a concern when it comes to bin scavenging. Waste management company Veolia has urged those who partake in this activity to be cautious, especially on bin day when collection trucks are operating. They encourage vigilance to ensure the safety of all community members, including children.
For our senior readers, it's important to be aware of your local council's stance on bin scavenging. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of strangers going through your recyclables, consider the aforementioned deterrents or reach out to your council for advice. And remember, while it's commendable to recycle and make use of refund schemes, it's equally important to respect others' property and adhere to local laws.
We'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Have you encountered bin scavengers in your area? What measures have you taken to protect your recyclables, or do you see it as a helpful way to ensure more items are recycled? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!
The legality of bin scavenging can be a grey area and often depends on local council regulations. In New South Wales, for instance, most councils do not issue fines for rummaging through waste as long as the scavengers are not trespassing on private property or leaving litter scattered around. Exchange for Change, the coordinators for Return and Earn, generally discourage bin diving due to the potential disruption and litter it can cause. They advise residents who are concerned about bin fossicking to report incidents to their local council or contact the police if trespassing occurs.
For those who wish to deter bin scavengers, there are proactive steps you can take. Residents can return eligible drink containers to a nearby return point, donate them to a local charity or community group, or simply put a sign on their bin indicating that all containers have already been cashed in. These measures not only discourage scavengers but also support charitable causes and ensure that recyclables are properly processed.
Some Australians are 'bin scavenging' for refundable recyclables due to rising living costs and schemes like NSW's Return and Earn. Credit: Shutterstock
However, the rules around bin raiding can vary significantly in other states. In Victoria, for example, the town of Wodonga enforces a local law that prohibits interference with rubbish bins on the kerbside, with potential fines of $180. Similarly, Redland City Council in Queensland states that under the Environmental Protection Regulation 2019, it's illegal to disturb the contents of any waste container, including household wheelie bins, unless it's your own rubbish or you're the council's waste and recycling collection contractor.
Safety is also a concern when it comes to bin scavenging. Waste management company Veolia has urged those who partake in this activity to be cautious, especially on bin day when collection trucks are operating. They encourage vigilance to ensure the safety of all community members, including children.
For our senior readers, it's important to be aware of your local council's stance on bin scavenging. If you're uncomfortable with the idea of strangers going through your recyclables, consider the aforementioned deterrents or reach out to your council for advice. And remember, while it's commendable to recycle and make use of refund schemes, it's equally important to respect others' property and adhere to local laws.
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