New permit rule targets kerbside bin habits under council crackdown
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If you’ve ever found yourself dodging a rogue wheelie bin on your morning walk or weaving around a line-up of bins left out days after collection, you’re not alone.
In fact, you might soon need a permit just to leave your bin on the kerb! Yes, you read that right—bin etiquette is about to get a whole lot stricter.
Why the sudden crackdown?
It all started when City of Sydney Councillor Adam Worling noticed a growing problem: bins left out on the footpath and street long after the garbage truck had come and gone.
Not only do these bins create an unpleasant odour (especially in the summer heat—phew!), but they also pose a real hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike.
For those of us with mobility issues, a stray bin can turn a simple stroll into an obstacle course. And let’s not forget the unwelcome guests—vermin—who see these bins as a five-star buffet.
But the problems don’t stop there. When bins linger on the kerb, they become magnets for extra rubbish—sometimes the wrong kind in the wrong bin—which can lead to contamination and more litter when bins are inevitably knocked over.
It’s a recipe for a messy neighbourhood and a headache for everyone.
What’s the council proposing?
Councillor Worling’s solution? A permit system.
Under this plan, only residents who genuinely have nowhere else to store their bins—think terrace houses that open straight onto the footpath or homes without a backyard—would be allowed to keep their bins out on the street.
Everyone else would need to wheel their bins back in after collection.
To make things clear, Worling also suggested new labels for all bins, showing whether the resident has permission to leave it out and which address the bin belongs to.
'If we want people and we want the community to do the right thing, we just have to give them the guidelines for it. It's that simple,' he said.
The motion was unanimously passed at Monday’s council meeting, so the council will now look into how to put these ideas into action.
A bigger plan for a cleaner city
This isn’t just about tidying up the streets. The move is part of a broader push to tackle waste issues across Sydney, from making sure rubbish is sorted correctly to finding solutions for our overflowing landfills.
With more people living in apartments and smaller homes, waste management is becoming a bigger challenge than ever.
What do the experts say?
Harold Scruby, chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, agrees that bins left out are a real danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
'It’s a very difficult problem,' he said. However, he also pointed out that there are other pressing issues—like food delivery riders zipping along the footpath—that the council hasn’t addressed as urgently.
What does this mean for you?
If you’re a Sydney resident, you might soon need to apply for a permit if you can’t store your bin off the street.
And if you’re used to leaving your bin out for a few extra days, it might be time to rethink your routine!
The council’s new approach could mean fines or other penalties for those who don’t comply.
A common problem across Australia
While this story is unfolding in Sydney, it’s a familiar issue in many Aussie suburbs and cities.
As our communities grow and change, so do the challenges of keeping our streets clean and safe.
Some councils already have rules about when bins can be put out and when they must be brought in, but enforcement can be patchy.
Tips for better bin etiquette
What do you think about the idea of bin permits? Is it a sensible solution or just more red tape? Have you had any run-ins with stray bins or messy kerbs in your neighbourhood? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below.
Read more: ‘Did you know the council is tracking what you throw out?’: Rubbish bin discovery sparks debate
In fact, you might soon need a permit just to leave your bin on the kerb! Yes, you read that right—bin etiquette is about to get a whole lot stricter.
Why the sudden crackdown?
It all started when City of Sydney Councillor Adam Worling noticed a growing problem: bins left out on the footpath and street long after the garbage truck had come and gone.
Not only do these bins create an unpleasant odour (especially in the summer heat—phew!), but they also pose a real hazard for drivers and pedestrians alike.
A permit system is being considered by the City of Sydney Council to manage street bin placement, aiming to address poor kerbside bin etiquette. Credit: moisseyev / iStock
For those of us with mobility issues, a stray bin can turn a simple stroll into an obstacle course. And let’s not forget the unwelcome guests—vermin—who see these bins as a five-star buffet.
But the problems don’t stop there. When bins linger on the kerb, they become magnets for extra rubbish—sometimes the wrong kind in the wrong bin—which can lead to contamination and more litter when bins are inevitably knocked over.
It’s a recipe for a messy neighbourhood and a headache for everyone.
What’s the council proposing?
Councillor Worling’s solution? A permit system.
Under this plan, only residents who genuinely have nowhere else to store their bins—think terrace houses that open straight onto the footpath or homes without a backyard—would be allowed to keep their bins out on the street.
Everyone else would need to wheel their bins back in after collection.
To make things clear, Worling also suggested new labels for all bins, showing whether the resident has permission to leave it out and which address the bin belongs to.
'If we want people and we want the community to do the right thing, we just have to give them the guidelines for it. It's that simple,' he said.
The motion was unanimously passed at Monday’s council meeting, so the council will now look into how to put these ideas into action.
A bigger plan for a cleaner city
This isn’t just about tidying up the streets. The move is part of a broader push to tackle waste issues across Sydney, from making sure rubbish is sorted correctly to finding solutions for our overflowing landfills.
With more people living in apartments and smaller homes, waste management is becoming a bigger challenge than ever.
What do the experts say?
Harold Scruby, chief executive of the Pedestrian Council of Australia, agrees that bins left out are a real danger to both pedestrians and motorists.
'It’s a very difficult problem,' he said. However, he also pointed out that there are other pressing issues—like food delivery riders zipping along the footpath—that the council hasn’t addressed as urgently.
If you’re a Sydney resident, you might soon need to apply for a permit if you can’t store your bin off the street.
And if you’re used to leaving your bin out for a few extra days, it might be time to rethink your routine!
The council’s new approach could mean fines or other penalties for those who don’t comply.
A common problem across Australia
While this story is unfolding in Sydney, it’s a familiar issue in many Aussie suburbs and cities.
As our communities grow and change, so do the challenges of keeping our streets clean and safe.
Some councils already have rules about when bins can be put out and when they must be brought in, but enforcement can be patchy.
- Only put your bin out the night before collection and bring it in as soon as possible after it’s emptied.
- If you have mobility issues or need help moving your bin, check if your council offers assistance.
- Make sure your rubbish is sorted correctly—recycling in the yellow, general waste in the red, and green waste in the green!
- If you see a neighbour struggling with their bins, lend a hand or let them know about council support services.
Read more: ‘Did you know the council is tracking what you throw out?’: Rubbish bin discovery sparks debate
