We are working with you to reduce contamination found in recycling bins and green waste bins.
One of the ways we are doing this is with a bin inspection program where some recycling bins and green waste bins are checked on collection day. Additionally, all recycling bins are now automatically detected for contamination during the collection process, helping us identify issues more efficiently and consistently across the community.
The program helps us:
- reduce contamination
- minimise the amount of waste sent to landfill
- provide households with tailored education and support
- increase safety (ensuring hazardous materials stay out of recycling).
We understand that recycling and green waste sorting can be tricky sometimes. With so many different types of items and materials going into our bins, we don’t always get it right. This program aims to help everyone understand what belongs in our bins and what should be kept out.
Our Waste education officers have selected areas to be surveyed based on contaminated bin reports.
Each household’s recycling bin and/or green waste bin in that area will be checked on collection day and they will receive feedback through orange or red bin tags. The tag will be looped around the handle of the bin.
We will lift the bin lid and look at the contents of the bin to see if there is any contamination (incorrect items).
Orange tag
Oops! Some contamination was observed, please keep these items out of this bin next time.
Red tag
Oh no! Your bin could not be collected as the contamination level was too high or there were hazardous items in the bin which pose a health and safety risk.
My bin had a red tag, what should I do?
If your bin has a red tag there were incorrect items in your bin. The incorrect items will be highlighted on the red tag. Please remove these items before your next scheduled collection day.
If you would like one of our waste team to contact you (within 48 business hours), please complete our contact request form.
Separately, all recycling bins are now automatically assessed for contamination during regular collection. This means that if your bin is not part of a manual inspection area, it may be flagged if ineligible items are detected.
Contamination is any item that doesn’t belong in the yellow recycling bin or green waste bin. Putting contaminated items in the recycling bin or green waste bin could mean that all the items in the bin, including the recyclable items, will be sent to landfill. Some contaminated items can put staff at risk of injury or cause damage to equipment.
Instead of putting these contaminated items in the recycling bin or green waste bin, find out where you can put them in our A to Z of waste disposal list.
Using recycling bins correctly helps make sure that we can sort recyclable items and turn them into new products.
Using green waste bins correctly helps make sure that the green waste can be turned into valuable compost for parks and gardens.
In partnership with the Queensland Government, we’re stepping up our efforts to reduce bin contamination through the Let’s Get It Sorted campaign.
All recycling bins are now automatically assessed for contamination during the collection process. When ineligible items are identified, an education letter will be sent to the household. This letter will include:
- a photo of the ineligible item found in the bin
- the location where the bin was serviced
- helpful tips to support better recycling habits.
This education initiative is designed to help residents understand what can and can’t go in the recycling bin, and to support better recycling practices across the community. It’s also the first end-to-end, integrated contamination detection and education program of its kind in Queensland - a great step forward for our environment.
Receiving a driver tag on your bin means that there was an issue with the servicing of your bin that prevented collection. The issue of why your bin wasn't collected will be specified on the tag and recorded by the driver for further review.
The tag could be issued for several reasons, including:
- contamination (e.g. non-recyclable items in the recycling bin)
- overfull bin (lid must be closed)
- too heavy (over 70 kilograms)
- too damaged for collection
- non Logan City Council bin
- not accessible.
Please correct the issue and wait until the next collection day.
- Ensure proper waste separation: make sure you're placing the correct items in the appropriate bin. Remember: don’t bag recyclables.
- Manage bin capacity: avoid overfilling your bin and ensure it is within the weight limits.
- Use the correct bin: ensure you are only using council bins.
For more information, please contact 07 3412 3412 or complete our contact request form.