Bulky goods collections for unit blocks and townhouses
Council clean ups are a way to dispose of large items that cannot be sold, donated, recycled or repurposed. Most items will be crushed and sent to landfill so a collection should be a last resort.
Booking systems in unit blocks and townhouses
Unit blocks and townhouses operate under one of the following booking systems
Communal booking
Unit blocks have an arrangement for two Bulky Goods Collections for the whole block in a 12-month period (subject to availability). The 12-month period commences from the date of the first booking. If a second booking is not made within this period, the anniversary date will reset to the date of the next booking.
Only Strata and Owners Corporations are authorised to make these bookings.
Individual booking
Certain unit blocks permit occupiers to book up to two individual Bulky Goods Collections in a 12-month period (subject to availability). The 12-month period commences from the date of the first booking. If a second booking is not made within this period, the anniversary date will reset to the date of the next booking.
Some unit occupiers can make these bookings. A booking allows for a maximum of 3 cubic metres (3m x 1m x 1m).
Which system for your building?
Most unit blocks operate under a communal collection service. There are less frequent piles, and buildings are less likely to have ongoing illegal dumping issues. With the Strata Manager / Owners Corporations arranging the collection, there is one consistent point of contact, reducing confusion and ensuring the booking is managed properly.
The Strata Manager / Owners Corporations representative typically:
- Books the collection on behalf of the building, ensuring that booking reference ID has been received.
- Notifies residents of the date and time — usually via the community noticeboard, emails or communicate through the Owners Corporations.
- Ensures items are placed out correctly, at the right time, and within the allowed volume for the booking
If you are unsure about a building's collection service, you can conduct a property search to find out.
Changing your building's collection system
If a building wishes to change the bulky goods collection system, the Strata Manager or Owners Corporation is required to call Council on 1300 434 434 to discuss options and formal requirements.
Alternatively log your request to change systems, selecting Multi-unit communal bulky goods (Strata and Owners Corporations only) and provide information and details of request.
Illegal Dumping - what to do, how to manage and when/how to report
Items can only be placed out when a Council bulky goods collection has been properly booked. Residents who place items on the kerb without a valid booking may face significant fines and penalties for illegal dumping.
If illegal dumping occurs in front of a property, the Strata Manager is responsible in the first instance for investigating the matter and attempting to identify the person responsible. If a resident can be identified, it is the Strata Manager’s responsibility to ensure the waste is removed appropriately.
If the responsible party cannot be identified and the waste cannot be removed by the Strata Manager, they must promptly notify Council and cooperate with Council Rangers to assist with the investigation and resolution.
Strata by-laws
Strata schemes should consider introducing or updating waste management by-laws that allow an owners' corporation to recover costs associated with illegal dumping, misuse of waste areas or improper disposal from owners and tenants.
Guide to adding strata by-laws
Resources for Strata Managers, Owners Corporations and Property Managers
It is important that Strata Managers set clear expectations around waste and recycling practices within their buildings. This includes using on-site signage and providing information guides to residents. These materials explain how to dispose of bulky goods and to correctly recycle in line with Council guidelines for the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA).
The following resources assist Strata Managers, Owners Corporations and Property Managers in promoting responsible waste management:
Poster for common areas or noticeboards
Clean up right - Bulky Goods collection.
Available at Council’s Customer Service Centres, or download and print
Information sheet
Moving, clearing out and everyday recycling - for owners and tenants
Download and email or print