Bin inspection program

We conduct random bin inspections throughout Merri-bek to:

  • understand how residents are using their bins
  • protect the safety of workers at our waste facilities 
  • provide feedback to residents on how they are using their bins
  • reduce the impact of contamination 

Contamination occurs when people put incorrect items in their recycling bin or food and garden organics (FOGO) bin.

If you have questions or would like to leave feedback about our bin inspection program, please contact us. 

 

 

  • When you contaminate a bin with incorrect items, the recycling process becomes less efficient and valuable resources can be sent to landfill rather than being reused or recycled. This causes both financial and environmental loss.

    The contamination of your bin:

    • makes the service more expensive
    • poses risks to workers sorting the materials
    • can result in truckloads of recycling or food and garden waste being sent to landfill

    Contamination can also be hazardous for workers at the Material Recovery Facility. Some items can cause fires or result in odours. These can result in fines for the facility or even closure.

  • All inspected bins will have a tag or a sticker placed on them.

  • During a bin inspection, the bin lid is opened and an inspector looks inside the bin for items that do not belong.  Bins that have been checked will have a bin tag or sticker placed on the bin.

    Contaminated bins will receive a 'we need your help' bin tag or a 'rejection' sticker, indicating that items were found in the bin that shouldn't be there. These households will receive information on how to use their bins correctly.

    A 'we need your help' bin tag alerts the household that a moderate level of contamination was found in the bin but the bin was still collected.

    A 'rejection' sticker alerts the household that a high level of contamination was found in the bin and, as a result, the bin was not collected.

  • Bin tags are placed on bins that have been inspected to let residents know what can and can't be placed in each of their bins. 

    Contaminated bins will receive a 'we need your help' bin tag or a 'rejection' sticker, indicating that items were found in the bin that shouldn't be there. These households will receive information on how to use their bins correctly.

    A 'we need your help' bin tag alerts the household that a moderate level of contamination was found in the bin but the bin was still collected.

    A 'rejection' sticker alerts the household that a high level of contamination was found in the bin and, as a result, the bin was not collected.

     

     

     

  • If your bin has been rejected (not emptied) following a bin inspection you will need to:

    • remove the incorrect items indicated on the sticker, and;
    • call us on 9240 1111 to arrange collection, or wait until your next collection day to have your bin emptied. 

  • Contamination is a significant problem in Merri-bek. We have a recycling contamination rate of 30%, which is around 10% higher than the state average.

    Bin inspections are a good way to help stop bin contamination because they give residents direct feedback on how they are using their bins. 

    Our bin inspectors carry identification that they can show to residents if asked.

    Our bin inspectors never take any items from your bins.

     

  • Residents should only be using the bins that belong to their household.

    To reduce the risk of people dumping their waste in your bin, do not leave your bin out for collection longer than 24 hours.

    If this is a reoccurring problem, contact us to report it. 

  • To find out more about what goes in each bin visit: