Bin collections
Your home has wheelie bins for separating general waste from green waste and recyclables. Check your bin collection day with the bin collection calendar. You can also download Brisbane City Council’s quick and simple Brisbane bin and recycling app.
For bin collection:
- check it is your correct day of service
- place the bin on the footpath next to the kerb, with the handle towards the house. This must be done by 5.30am on the day of collection
- where possible, place your bin where it is not obstructed by parked cars
- bins should be placed at least 30 cm apart
- bins should be placed at the kerb or as close to the kerb as possible - this allows the arms of the truck to easily access each bin
- ensure there is access to the bin
- ensure the waste, recycling and green waste are not cross-contaminated
- do not block pedestrian pathways or vehicle access
- close the bin lid
- bag all loose rubbish going into your general waste bin - such as dust, kitchen scraps and grass clippings
- recycling should not be bagged
- keep garden prunings small
- do not overload the bin (maximum weight is 70 kilograms).
Bin lid changeover
Council is currently replacing all dark green and grey general waste bin lids with red lids.
On your standard general waste collection day, Council’s contractor will follow the general waste collection route to identify dark green and grey lids on general waste bins presented for collection. Once the waste is collected, the contractor will replace the lid with a red lid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the bin lid changeover project?
Currently throughout Brisbane, general waste wheelie bins have either a red, dark green or dark grey lid. Council is now replacing all remaining dark green and grey lids with red lids.
Why is the bin lid changeover being done?
The project is necessary to ensure household waste and recycling services are standardised for all households and collection drivers.
This change will make it easier for people to put their waste and recycling in the right bin. The red lid general waste bins help waste truck drivers efficiently service the bin being presented for collection.
How is the lid swapped out?
On your standard general waste collection day, Council’s contractor will follow the general waste collection route in a separate vehicle, to identify all dark green or grey lids presented for collection. Once the waste has been collected, the contractor will replace the lid with a red lid and take away the old lid.
Do I need to register or pay?
No. Registration is not required for this process and there is no fee for a lid to be replaced with a new red lid.
Will my bin be emptied as normal on my bin day?
Yes. Council will continue to service all dark green, grey and red lidded general waste bins presented for collection. If your dark green or grey general waste lid has not been changed by 1 July 2025, contact Council to arrange a swap-over.
What happens to the old lids?
Dark green and grey lids are taken to Council’s bin manufacturer where the material is melted down and used to produce new bins.
My bin is damage/broken, will it be fixed when they change my lid?
No. The bin lid changeover team will not have the correct equipment to do routine bin repairs during bin lid swaps.
If your bin requires repair, submit an online request for bin repair or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
I already have a red lid but it's damaged, will it be replaced?
No. The bin lid changeover team will only be equipped to replace dark green or grey lids.
If your bin lid requires repair, submit an online request for bin repair or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Will any yellow lids be changed?
No.
Will bulk bins (larger than a wheelie bin) in apartments or businesses have their bin lids changed?
No.
What is the information on the red lid? I do not have the technology to read the QR Code.
The QR code directs you to a webpage with details of what can go in the general waste bin.
If you need this information in another language, select ‘Translate’ at the top right of the webpage.
My neighbour’s bin lid was changed but they missed mine, will they come back?
Yes. Lid changeovers will happen from April 2025 until end June 2025 so don’t be concerned if you notice another bin in your street change lids, your lid will be changed over.
If you haven’t had your lid changed by 1 July 2025, submit an online request or phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
This initiative is supported by the Queensland Government's Recycling and Jobs Fund.
Rubbish bins left on the footpath or kerb
The Health, Safety and Amenity Local Law 2021 requires rubbish bins to only be placed on the footpath or kerb a reasonable time before collection is due (e.g. within the 24 hours leading up to collection being due) and removed from the footpath or kerb as soon as practicable after collection (i.e. by the next business day).
Full bins left out on the footpath too soon before collection or empty bins left on the footpath after collection are frustrating for residents and can potentially be a safety hazard. Bins left on Brisbane's narrower footpaths may force pedestrians onto the road.
Council may investigate bins continually left on the footpath or kerb and issue fines to offenders.
Your responsibilities
You are responsible for returning your rubbish bin to your property as soon as practical after collection. Council may issue on-the-spot fines if you do not have a reasonable excuse for not returning your bins to your property.
Lodging a complaint
In most cases, the best way to resolve an issue is through polite and productive communication with the property owner or occupier. If you haven’t already spoken with the resident about the rubbish bin being left on the footpath for a long time, we strongly recommend you try this approach first. Often, residents do not realise they are causing an issue to their neighbours. Council has also developed a letterbox-drop template which you may wish to use - simply print out the form, fill in your details (if you wish) and place it in your neighbour’s letterbox.
When investigating complaints about rubbish bins left on the footpath, kerb, street or road, Council considers:
- the day of service (the day of collection)
- how long the bins are on the footpath or kerb
- how often the bins are left out.
To lodge a complaint about a bin left out:
- phone Council on 07 3403 8888
- email Council.
Please note that Council will send letters to both you and the occupier of the property with the bins to give them an opportunity to address the matter themselves before further actions are taken. This letter will also provide you with a Further Information Request Form which you will be required to fill out should the issue be ongoing and you wish the complaint to progress further.
Public holidays
Normal bin collection services run on public holidays including Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday. You should put your bins out for collection by 5.30am.
Missed collection
You can lodge an online missed bin request at any time. Bins are collected as soon as possible.
You must report a missed recycling or green bin collection within two working days of your normal day of service. Missed recycling or green waste bins reported after this timeframe are collected on your next scheduled collection day.
Extra collection
Contact Council to arrange an extra waste collection for a fee.
You can also pay your special waste (extra) bin collection account online.
In-home service
Council can arrange for bin collection from within your property if:
- you are infirm
- you have a physical or sensory disability
- no able-bodied person lives at your address
- you don't have a neighbour or next of kin nearby who can assist with placing your bin out for collection
- the collection point for your bins will not pose a potential safety risk to staff.
To apply for bin collection assistance, phone Council on 07 3403 8888.
Bin options
General waste
| Bin description | Bin image |
|---|---|
| Standard domestic 240 litre rubbish bin | |
| Bulk rubbish bin Size options: 660 litre and 1100 litre |  |
| Bulk rubbish bin Size options: 1m³, 2m³, 3m³, 4.5m³ |  |
Recycling
| Bin description | Bin image |
|---|---|
| Standard domestic 240 litre recycling bin |  |
| Larger domestic 340 litre recycling bin |  |
| Bulk recycling bins Size option: 600 litre, 1100 litre, 3m³ |  |
Green waste
| Bin description | Bin image |
|---|---|
| Standard domestic 240-litre green waste bin |  |