Frequently Asked Questions

How often are my bins emptied?
The current bin collection frequency is as follows:

Please refer to your calendar for more details.

Who owns the bins?
The bins are owned by the collection contractor, Handybin Waste Services.

What if I already compost?
You can continue to compost if you prefer.

Why are the bins so large?
The large bins cater for the majority of the community.

Do I have to have three bins?
By sorting your Recycling and Greenwaste from Other Waste, you help reduce waste processing and disposal costs for the whole community. The cost for your service will not change should you choose not to use all the bins.

Is the new service compulsory?
Yes, unless you live more than 100m from a service road or your property is greater than 10 hectares in size.

When should I put my bins out for collection?
You should put your bin out the night before your usual collection day. You will have received an information pack, including a calendar, which shows which week you put your yellow and green bins out and which week you put your red and green bins out.

What happens if my bin is damaged?
Call 1800 265 495 to have your bin repaired or replaced. Handybin staff will take details and arrange to have bin fixed or replaced.
If it appears the bin is deliberately being damaged or not looked after, Handybin may charge to the owner the costs for repairing or replacing the bin.

What happens if my bin is stolen?
Handybin will replace your bin free of charge in the first instance. If further instances occur charges may be applied for the cost of the bin and a delivery service charge.

If I need additional services, how much will this cost?
If you need additional services, you need to request this through your local Council. You must be the owner of the premise where the bins are required to request this service.

Councils will advise Handybin of the request for additional services and rates section to ensure payment is adjusted on rates notice.

Costs for additional services vary for each Council member of CCWS, check with your Council for further detail.

I can't wheel my bins out myself, what can I do?
Handybin has a wheel in wheel out service, which will only be offered to people with a genuine disability or who are elderly and can demonstrate they cannot wheel the bin.

To apply for this service, you must contact your local Council and fulfil the requirements for application.

Vision impaired people
There are a limited number of bin lids with tactile symbols available for those who request this service. Contact your local Council to provide your details and your Council will arrange delivery with Handybin.

What happens if I put the wrong items into my bins?
In the first few weeks it is understandable that mistakes may be made. If so, the driver (or other staff) will place a sticker on the bin advising the wrong items have been placed in it.

After a couple of weeks of service, if the wrong material continues to go into the bin, it may not be emptied and will have a sticker placed on it advising of the contamination. Once the contamination is removed by the resident and the contractor notified, the bin will be emptied. Further instances of contamination may result in removal of bins, or a fine being imposed on the resident.

Will there still be a bulky goods collection service?
Yes, twice yearly (see bulky goods collection calendar). The service will be rendered on a rotational basis and services are detailed on your bulky goods calendar.

Three cubic metres of bulky goods are allowed out for collection per household.

Bulky goods are items including furniture, floor coverings, white goods, televisions and the like.

Bulky goods DO NOT include trade waste, construction and/or demolition wastes, earth or stones, car parts or household garbage or any articles which cannot be conveniently lifted by two men.

What about Red Rock and Corindi Residents?
Although newly amalgamated with the Coffs Harbour LGA, these residents will not receive the new service until the existing contract with JR Richards expires in 2012.

In the meantime, they will need to call Clarence Waste Solutions on 1800 335 599 or 6641 4980 for all enquiries regarding their service.

Can I hose my bins out while water restrictions are in place?
Yes, you can. As it is considered a health and safety issue no restrictions are placed on cleaning of bins. You should only hose out bins on a grassed area and no run off is permitted to enter the stormwater system. Ensure you pick up any rubbish hosed out of your bin and place back in the bin. Littering, including litter and runoff entering stormwater drains, is an offence and can result in significant fines. There are bin washing services available, see the Yellow pages.