Still confused about what belongs in each bin? Better learn fast because mistakes could cost up to $18,150
- Replies 2
Garbage collection in Brisbane took an unusual turn when one resident’s ‘gift’ for their garbos turned out to be anything but festive.
Instead of a slab of beer, council workers discovered slabs of concrete dumped into a green waste bin.
What followed was a flood of puns, a stern warning from Redland City Council, and the possibility of a fine running into the thousands.
The discovery was shared on social media, where council accused the resident of cementing their spot on the naughty list.
‘We have concrete evidence that someone has put the wrong thing in their green waste bin,’ Redland City Council posted.
‘We’re guessing they may have taken compostable too literally but it’s rock solid that someone’s green waste bin habits need to be reinforced.’
Aussies have long held onto the Christmas tradition of leaving cold slabs for garbage crews, but the council noted that this resident’s idea of a ‘slab’ did not fit the bill.
The post triggered more than 500 reactions online, ranging from disbelief and outrage to classic dad jokes.
‘I remember the good old day’s when we used to leave a slab out for the garbo at Xmas time,’ one commenter said.
‘It just proves how many dumb people exist in this world,’ another added, while others kept piling on the puns: ‘I think you need to reinforce the rules.’
A former sanitation worker even revealed that it was not an isolated case, recalling how one man secretly disposed of his demolished granny flat bit by bit using wheelie bins.
‘An old fella demolished his brick granny flat and put it in the new wheelie bin over a few months. We were told to let him go because they wanted to test the durability of the bins,’ he said.
The council explained that dumping heavy materials such as cement caused serious problems.
‘Heavy material like cement damages the collection vehicles and your bin too,’ a statement read.
‘It disrupts services and contaminates green waste. Your green-lid bin is only for garden organics like grass clippings, leaves, prunings, small branches, shrub and hedge trimmings, sticks, bark and weeds.’
Residents across Greater Brisbane face fines ranging from $220 to $18,150 for illegal waste disposal, while Brisbane City Council imposes a $575 penalty for placing prohibited items in bins—or for failing to bring bins in quickly enough after collection.
Green bins in the region are emptied every two weeks, and council has released instructional videos to help residents sort their rubbish properly.
According to Smart Rubbish Removal, standard garbage bins are collected weekly, while recycling and garden waste bins are collected every two weeks, with specific rules on what can and cannot be placed in each.
Improper disposal isn’t just a quirky mistake—it can come with some very serious consequences.
While one resident might have thought concrete in a green bin was a harmless shortcut, others have faced far bigger penalties for waste offences.
Here’s another case that shows just how costly dumping the wrong thing in the wrong place can be.
Read more: Dumping waste illegally costs one tradie $30,000—and sends a warning to others
Would you risk thousands of dollars in fines just to sneak heavy rubbish into the wrong bin?
Instead of a slab of beer, council workers discovered slabs of concrete dumped into a green waste bin.
What followed was a flood of puns, a stern warning from Redland City Council, and the possibility of a fine running into the thousands.
The discovery was shared on social media, where council accused the resident of cementing their spot on the naughty list.
‘We have concrete evidence that someone has put the wrong thing in their green waste bin,’ Redland City Council posted.
‘We’re guessing they may have taken compostable too literally but it’s rock solid that someone’s green waste bin habits need to be reinforced.’
Resident fined after concrete found in bin. Image source: Redland City Council
Aussies have long held onto the Christmas tradition of leaving cold slabs for garbage crews, but the council noted that this resident’s idea of a ‘slab’ did not fit the bill.
The post triggered more than 500 reactions online, ranging from disbelief and outrage to classic dad jokes.
‘I remember the good old day’s when we used to leave a slab out for the garbo at Xmas time,’ one commenter said.
‘It just proves how many dumb people exist in this world,’ another added, while others kept piling on the puns: ‘I think you need to reinforce the rules.’
A former sanitation worker even revealed that it was not an isolated case, recalling how one man secretly disposed of his demolished granny flat bit by bit using wheelie bins.
‘An old fella demolished his brick granny flat and put it in the new wheelie bin over a few months. We were told to let him go because they wanted to test the durability of the bins,’ he said.
The council explained that dumping heavy materials such as cement caused serious problems.
‘Heavy material like cement damages the collection vehicles and your bin too,’ a statement read.
‘It disrupts services and contaminates green waste. Your green-lid bin is only for garden organics like grass clippings, leaves, prunings, small branches, shrub and hedge trimmings, sticks, bark and weeds.’
Residents across Greater Brisbane face fines ranging from $220 to $18,150 for illegal waste disposal, while Brisbane City Council imposes a $575 penalty for placing prohibited items in bins—or for failing to bring bins in quickly enough after collection.
Green bins in the region are emptied every two weeks, and council has released instructional videos to help residents sort their rubbish properly.
According to Smart Rubbish Removal, standard garbage bins are collected weekly, while recycling and garden waste bins are collected every two weeks, with specific rules on what can and cannot be placed in each.
Improper disposal isn’t just a quirky mistake—it can come with some very serious consequences.
While one resident might have thought concrete in a green bin was a harmless shortcut, others have faced far bigger penalties for waste offences.
Here’s another case that shows just how costly dumping the wrong thing in the wrong place can be.
Read more: Dumping waste illegally costs one tradie $30,000—and sends a warning to others
Would you risk thousands of dollars in fines just to sneak heavy rubbish into the wrong bin?
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