Proper waste disposal is essential for keeping Wollongong and the greater Illawarra region clean and environmentally friendly. One of the most misunderstood aspects of household waste management is what to put in the green waste bin.
If you’re unsure about what belongs in your green bin, this guide will provide a complete list of accepted items, what to avoid, and tips for efficient waste disposal.
Let’s dive in!
What Is the Green Waste Bin Used For?
In the Illawarra and Wollongong region, the green waste bin is primarily used for organic garden waste. This includes materials that naturally decompose, helping to reduce landfill waste while creating nutrient-rich compost through council-run recycling programs.
Using your green bin correctly ensures that waste is processed efficiently, reducing contamination and helping the environment.
Allowed Items in Your Green Waste Bin
The Wollongong City Council and surrounding Illawarra councils allow specific organic garden waste in green bins. Here’s what you can safely dispose of:
✔ Grass Clippings & Lawn Waste
One of the most common items in green bins, grass clippings should be loose and not bagged to allow for proper composting.
✔ Leaves, Flowers, and Weeds
Dried leaves, flowers, and weeds are all acceptable. However, avoid disposing of invasive weeds, as some councils prefer these to go into general waste to prevent spreading.
✔ Small Branches & Prunings
Branches and twigs under 75mm in diameter can go into the green bin. Larger logs and branches should be taken to local recycling centres or disposed of through green waste collection services.
✔ Shrub & Hedge Clippings
Hedge trimmings and shrub prunings are ideal for the green bin. Just ensure they are cut into smaller pieces to allow the bin lid to close properly.
✔ Palm Fronds & Soft Green Stems
Palm fronds are often accepted, but some councils have restrictions on larger or fibrous palm materials. Check with your local waste services for details.
✔ Fruit & Vegetable Scraps (Limited in Some Areas)
Some councils allow raw fruit and vegetable scraps, but in Wollongong, these should generally go into the FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) bin if your area has one. Always check your council’s guidelines.
What NOT to Put in Your Green Waste Bin
While green bins are great for organic waste, certain materials can contaminate the system, making composting more difficult.
✖ No Plastic Bags or Wrappers
Even if they contain garden waste, plastic bags are not biodegradable and will contaminate compost. Always place waste directly into the bin without bags.
✖ No Treated or Painted Wood
Treated timber, plywood, and painted wood contain chemicals that interfere with the composting process. These should go into landfill waste or be taken to a waste transfer station.
✖ No Rocks, Soil, or Sand
Heavy materials like soil, rocks, and sand are not compostable and can damage collection equipment. Small amounts of soil attached to plants are fine, but large quantities should be disposed of separately.
✖ No Large Branches or Tree Stumps
Branches over 75mm thick or large tree stumps do not break down easily and should be disposed of through council green waste collections or private removal services.
✖ No Food Waste (Unless in FOGO Areas)
Standard green waste bins are not designed for general food waste. If your area has a FOGO bin, place all food scraps there instead.
✖ No Animal Waste or Pet Litter
Even though animal waste is organic, it can contain bacteria that contaminate composting processes. Always place pet waste in the general waste bin.
How to Use Your Green Waste Bin Correctly
To make the most of your green bin and avoid contamination fines, follow these best practices:
1. Cut Larger Items Into Smaller Pieces
Branches, palm fronds, and hedge trimmings should be cut into smaller sections (under 75mm thick) before placing them in the bin.
2. Avoid Overfilling or Jamming the Bin Lid
Bins must close completely to be collected. Overfilling can prevent the truck from emptying the bin properly.
3. Don’t Mix Green Waste With General Rubbish
Items like plastic bags, treated wood, or soil must never be placed in the green bin, as they disrupt composting efforts.
4. Keep the Bin Lid Closed at All Times
An open lid allows rainwater to enter, making waste heavy and harder to process. Keeping it closed also prevents odours and pests.
What Happens to Your Green Waste in Wollongong?
When collected, green waste in Wollongong and the Illawarra region is transported to council-run composting facilities. Here, it is processed into mulch, compost, and soil conditioners for use in local parks and gardens.
By properly sorting your waste, you contribute to sustainable waste management, helping to reduce landfill and promote greener urban spaces.
Disposing of Large Green Waste or Unwanted Outdoor Items
Sometimes, a standard green bin isn’t enough for larger waste removal jobs, such as tree pruning, garden makeovers, or old outdoor furniture disposal.
If you have bulk green waste or items that don’t belong in the bin, consider booking a collection service like King Gong Furniture Removal to dispose of them responsibly.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what to put in your green waste bin helps keep Wollongong clean and ensures organic waste is processed correctly. By following council guidelines, you’ll avoid contamination fines while contributing to sustainable waste management.
If you have larger green waste or need to dispose of old outdoor furniture, consider a professional removal service to ensure responsible disposal.
Would you like to learn more about Wollongong’s waste collection schedule? Check your local council website for up-to-date information.
