Waste Enquiries
Your waste enquiries can be directed to Council’s customer service staff by phone on (02) 4654 7777 or by visiting one of Council’s customer service centres. Some common questions are addressed below.
Do I own the bin or does Council?
The bins provided to residents remain the property of Council. If you move house you can not take the bin with you, nor should the bin be used for purposes other than household waste disposal. However if your bin is damaged Council will organise for it to be repaired or replaced.
What are the waste collection times?
Waste collections commence at 5am until all properties on an allocated day are serviced – normally by 1pm. All residential waste bins are serviced during Monday to Friday regardless of public holidays eg Christmas Day, New Years Day etc.
Why can Council start collecting waste at 5am?
On 18 June 1999, Council resolved to commence waste collections at 5am due to:
- Increasing urbanisation of the LGA with subsequent increase in the number of waste collections
- Narrower street design
- Obstruction of building trade vehicles on roadways
- Cumbersome manoeuvring of waste vehicles
- Traffic interruptions on both minor and major roads and the danger collections pose to road users
- To reduce the likelihood of disturbances of early waste collection runs on the same group of residents, Council rotates the runs to share early starts across the whole LGA.
My bin has been stolen?
If your bin has been stolen you will need to go into one of Council’s customer service centres and fill in a statutory declaration that the bin is no longer in your possession. Following this, a replacement bin will be delivered to your property. Follow this link to the Statutory Declaration Form.
My recycling bin has a broken/missing divider
Due to changes in the technology available to Camden Council, recycling dividers are no longer an essential part of the recycling service in Camden. If your divider is broken phone 4654 7777 and it will be removed for you. If your divider is missing there is no need to contact Council – you can now use your recycling bin with the paper and cardboard and bottles and cans mixed in together. This system is being phased in. If you still have a divider in your bin you are required to use the divided recycling bins as normal.
My bin/s are damaged
Council can arrange for your damaged bins to be repaired or replaced where necessary. Phone Council to report the problem –you will need to inform Council of the bin size and type (eg 240L garbage bin with damaged lid).
I would like a smaller/larger garbage bin
You can make a request for a change of garbage bin size if you are the owner of the property.
If you are a tenant you must go through your landlord or managing agent.
Owners must fill out a Waste Service Request Form for a change of bin size stating the new bin size and acknowledging that a change in the rates charge will occur. This letter should be addressed to:
The General Manager,
Camden Council
PO Box 183,
Camden NSW 2570.
My garbage bin is dirty
The cleanliness of bins is the responsibility of the user. To minimise the use of excess water when washing your bin why not try using the grey water from your washing machine or sink, and always wash your bin on the grass.
My bin was not emptied
If your bin was not emptied please check to see whether a tag was left on the bin or in your letterbox. If there was this should explain why the bin was left unemptied. Common reasons include:
- Recycling bin has been contaminated with garbage, dirty materials or non-recyclable material
- Green waste (brown) bin has been contaminated with non-compostable material such as garbage or plastic bags or large green waste items
- Your garbage bin is overfull
- Your bin is too heavy (heavier than 80kg)
- Bins are not correctly positioned. They should be:
o More then 30cm apart
o More than 1 meter from light or power poles and trees
o Positioned with the wheels away from the kerb
o Away from parked cars
Please note that if you have put your bin out for collection after the truck has passed Council is under no obligation to return and collect it.
I have too much waste to fit in my bins, what can I do with it?
Spring Farm Resource Recovery Park
The local waste disposal facility (or tip) within the Camden local government area is Spring Farm Advanced Resource Recovery Park. Located on Richardson Road in Spring Farm, the facility is owned and operated by SITA Environmental Solutions.
Visit www.sita.com.au or phone 1300 651 116 for information on fees and services.
Kerbside Cleanup
Council provides residential properties with two bulky household waste collections each financial year. You can also book additional services available at a fee. Contact Council on 4654 7777 for more details or follow this link.
Waste minimisation techniques
- Council can assist you with composting or worm farming your food scraps. This may reduce the weight of your general garbage by up to 50%, and give you much more room in your green waste bin.
- Make sure you are making the most of your recycling bin. Recycle as much as possible (use the checklist at this link to make sure what is recyclable). Squashing your plastic drink bottles and milk cartons can help reduce the space they use. However, never break glass as this is useless for recycling and will not be accepted.
When can I have my bulky household waste collected?
Follow this link for details on the Kerbside Cleanup service. This service is now a booked service, rather than the old all-at-once service. The change will help keep our streets cleaner and be more convenient for you!
What are the rules surrounding the waste collection vehicles and noise?
Council’s waste trucks are maintained on a routine basis to ensure they are operating at optimum performance and are roadworthy according to RTA requirements. The trucks also adhere to EPA standards that prescribe permissible levels of generated noise.
Unlike other sources of noise, the noise generated from waste collections is viewed as being incidental and isolated that do not continue for an extended period of time in one location eg use of power tools in the construction of a house. Hence, Council is permitted to commence waste collection before the 7am start time imposed on other generators of noise eg builders.
