Frequently asked questions
Q. When are my bins collected?
You can view or print specific information about your waste collection days and dates through our online property waste services enquiry tool. You can also call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856.
Q. Should I take the recycling/garbage/green waste bins with me when I move?
No. They belong to Hornsby Shire Council and must remain at the property.
Q. There is no recycling/garbage/green waste bin at my property. How can I get one?
- If you are renting contact your real estate agent who will arrange a bin for you.
- If you own the property, please call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856.
Q. My recycling/garbage/green waste bin has been lost, stolen or damaged. What should I do?
Call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856 and we will organise to replace or repair your bin.
Q. The bins I’ve been provided aren’t big enough. Can I get extra bins?
Yes. Please note: having an additional bin will attract an additional charge on your rates notice. For more information, please see our additional bins page.
Q. How should I place my bins for collection?
- Place bins 1 metre apart
- Place bins 2 metres from any obstruction (eg car or tree)
- Bring bins back onto your property ASAP after collection
Is your house the only house in the street where bins have not been collected? If so:
- You may have put the bin out too late or the wrong bin out
- The bin may be too heavy. If so, a tag to indicate this will have been placed on your bin. Bins must not weigh more than 70kg.
- The driver may not have seen the bin due to an obstruction
- The bin may have been contaminated or over full. If so, a tag to indicate this will have been placed on your bin.
Please call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856 to have your bins collected once you have fixed the problem.
Q. Why has only one side of the street had bins collected?
The driver has probably gone to empty the truck and will return. If this has not occurred by 4pm please call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856.
Q. Why has my entire street been missed?
This may be due to driver error or your street may have been blocked by vehicles or roadworks. If collection has not occurred by 4pm call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856 and a truck will return the following day.
Q. Why has my bin only been partially emptied?
Rubbish sometimes becomes compacted in the bottom of your bin and may not fall out when upturned. Loosen any remaining material and contact Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856 to arrange the garbage truck’s return.
Q. Can I put extra items for collection into plastic bags or boxes?
No. All items for collection must fit into the bins provided and the lid must close. If you need extra bins, these can can be organised for an additional charge. For more information, please see our additional bins page
Q. Where can I take other items for recycling that are not accepted in my yellow lid recycle bin?
Visit Planet Ark’s website or visit your nearest Waste Management Centre.
Q. I have just moved and my large cardboard boxes won’t fit in my yellow lid recycle bin. Do you have an alternative service?
Cardboard and other recycling can be taken to the Waste Transfer Stations at Wicks Road, North Ryde or Powers Road, Seven Hills.
Q. How can I get rid of plastic bags?
Most major supermarkets collect used plastic bags for recycling. Why not return your used plastic bags and pick up some reusable bags at the same time? You can also put them into the red lid bin.
Q. What happens to green waste?
Green waste is delivered to Kimbriki Recycling and Waste Disposal Centre in Terrey Hills. Once there, it is processed by Australian Native Landscapes and turned into mulch and compost.
Q. Who sorts the recycling when it all goes into the one bin?
Once collected, your recycling is taken to a material recovery facility in Sydney. The truck unloads unsorted recycling (paper, plastics, glass, etc) onto conveyor belts and then the sorting process begins. Air jets are used to separate paper, regular magnets are used to pick up steel cans, eddie current magnets are used to repel aluminium into containers, while lasers identify and sort glass into different types and colours. Other materials are sorted by hand, such as items too contaminated for recycling (for instance dirty steel cans or mouldy cardboard). Once sorted, the materials are sent to specialist recycling plants.
Q. When is the next kerbside cleanup due in my area?
You can view specific information about your waste collection days and dates through our online property enquiry tool at .
Q. What can I put out for my kerbside cleanup?
Visit the kerbside cleanup page or call Council’s waste hotline on 9847 4856.
Q. How much can I put out for cleanup?
Maximum allowed is three cubic metres.
Q. Can I arrange a kerbside clean up?
No. Any extra cleanups you wish to have must be arranged with private waste removal contractors or taken to a Waste Management Centre. If you live in a house you will receive two cleanups per year on a scheduled date.
These can be purchased at Council’s Waste Office at 31 Sefton Rd, Thornleigh. Call on 9847 4856 to ensure there is stock.
More information
Do you have further questions? Email Council’s Waste Management Team or call Council’s Waste Hotline on 9847 4856.