Commercial Waste Management Services Guide
Let’s sort it Bayside.
Together, we can recover more resources for a sustainable Bayside.
Welcome
Welcome Welcome to Bayside Council’s Commercial Waste Services.
General Waste
As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, we are pleased to invite commercial businesses within the LGA to participate in Council’s Waste Services. We offer local businesses reliable waste services, cost savings through economies of scale, and access to the same residential recycling programs. Our tailored waste services offer a flexible range of bin configurations and collection frequencies designed to meet the diverse needs of businesses, making it easier than ever to manage waste efficiently.
Food Organics
By increasing participation among local businesses, we are collectively enhancing landfill diversion rates and fostering a healthier environment for our community. By encouraging greater participation from local businesses, we can work together to improve landfill diversion rates and create a healthier environment for our community. This partnership allows Council and local businesses to demonstrate a shared commitment to sustainability, with businesses also benefiting from Council’s dedicated waste management expertise. We invite you to discover the opportunities our waste services offer and join us on this important journey towards a circular economy.
Recycling
All businesses must arrange their own waste collections. Business council rates does not cover waste & recycling services.
Let’s get our waste sorted. Problem Waste
Help us transform waste into valuable resources by putting the right thing, in the right bin.
Other Initiatives
Service Options
Service Options To make this service more accessible to commercial businesses, a flexible range of bin configurations and collection frequencies are available.
General Waste
240L 0.73m
1.06m
Size of bins and service days are flexible and nominated by the commercial business.
Food Organics
For more information please contact Council’s Customer Service on 1300 581 299 or 02 9562 1666.
660L
1.38m
Footprint of 2 x 240L resulting in
38% GREATER
Problem Waste
CAPACITY
1100L
1.38m
1.26m
Recycling
0.78m
1.07m
Footprint of 3 x 240L resulting in
53% GREATER
CAPACITY
Other Initiatives
1.24m
Service Options
Request a Service HOW TO REQUEST A COMMERCIAL WASTE SERVICE WITH COUNCIL 1. Contact Bayside Customer Service
General Waste
You can reach Council through any of the following options: Call: 1300 581 299 or 02 9562 1666 Email: council@bayside.nsw.gov.au Scan the QR code on the right and complete the Expression of Interest 2. Customer Service Support
Food Organics
Once you get in touch, our Customer Service team will connect you with our Waste Services team. 3. Needs Assessment A member of our Waste Services team will reach out to discuss your business’s specific waste management needs. 4. Site Inspection
Recycling
We’ll schedule a site visit to assess your premises and determine the most suitable waste services for your business. 5. Agreement and Service Commencement If the service options meet your needs, we’ll finalise an agreement with you, and your service will begin.
Problem Waste
WASTE SERVICE FEES Commercial waste service fees are included in Council’s Annual Fees and Charges which is updated at the beginning of each financial year.
Other Initiatives
You can access this information on our website or by contacting Bayside Customer Service.
Strategy
UPCOMING NSW FOOD WASTE SEPARATION CHANGES FOR BUSINESSES
Food Organics
From 1 July 2026, new NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements will be rolled out for some businesses that sell, prepare or handle food. The changes are being introduced in stages and will first apply to larger food businesses. Not all businesses will be affected.
WHAT’S CHANGING? Businesses captured by the first stage of the mandate will be required to:
Recycling
General Waste
Commercial Food Waste
Separate food organics from general waste; and
Other Initiatives
The mandate is set and regulated by the NSW EPA. Businesses are responsible for checking whether the requirements apply to them and ensuring they comply.
Problem Waste
Have a source separated food organics collection service in place.
Strategy
Commercial Food Waste CHECK IF YOUR BUSINESS IS AFFECTED The NSW EPA provides:
General Waste
Detailed information on the food waste mandate and rollout – scan the QR code below; and An online calculator to help businesses work out their waste capacity and whether they fall into Stage 1. Visit EPA website at: https://bintrim.epa.nsw.gov.au/fogocalculator
Food Organics Recycling Problem Waste
COUNCIL SUPPORT
Other Initiatives
Bayside Council is helping businesses stay informed about the upcoming changes and can provide information about available food organics collection service options. If you have questions about the upcoming mandate or would like to discuss setting up a FO service with Bayside Council, please contact: sustainablewaste@bayside.nsw.gov.au
Strategy
General Waste Bin
Food & Garden Paper Towels, Soiled Shoes Organics Nappies & Wipes & Textiles
NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS Electronics & Printer Inks
Non-compliant bins may not be collected
All Types of Batteries
Gas Bottles
Building Material
Rocks & Soil
Chemicals, Oils & Paints
Medical Waste
For more information visit: www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/waste
General Waste
Broken Glasses & Ceramics
Food Organics
Polystyrene & Foam
Recycling
Plastic Bags & Soft Plastics
Problem Waste
Please make sure your bin is not overweight, the lid is closed and that you dispose of accepted items only.
ACCEPTED ITEMS
Other Initiatives
The red-lidded bin is sent to an advanced processing facility where the organic material (food scraps and green waste) is mechanically and biologically extracted and turned into compost.
Strategy
Food Organics
General Waste
A new food organics service is available to businesses. This service helps separate food waste from general waste. Materials are then processed and turned into a compost, helping to return nutrients to the soil, reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Please ensure only accepted items are placed in the bin so contamination is avoided.
ACCEPTED ITEMS
Fruit & Vegetables
Bread, Rice, Pasta, Noodles
Meat, Poultry & Seafood
Bones & Eggshells
Plate Scraps & Leftovers
Coffee Grounds
Food Organics
NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS
Recycling Problem Waste
Non-compliant bins may not be collected
Other Initiatives
Plastic Bags & Soft Plastics
Electronics & Printer Inks
Broken Glass & Ceramics
Chemicals, Oils & Paints
Rocks & Soil
Gas Bottles
Garden Organics & Liquid Waste
Paper & Magazines
Nappies, Wipes & Towels
Polystyrene & Foam
All Types of Batteries
Building Material & Treated Wood
Medical Waste
All General Waste & Plastic
Strategy
Recycling Bin
Empty Plastic Containers
Paper & Cardboard
NOT ACCEPTED ITEMS
Non-compliant bins may not be collected
Plastic Bags & Soft Plastics
Electronics & Printer Inks
Broken Glass & Ceramics
Chemicals, Oils & Paints
Soiled Paper & Tissues
Gas Bottles
Garden Organics, Food & Liquid Waste
Garden Hoses
Clothing, Shoes & Textile
Polystyrene & Foam
All Types of Batteries
Building Material & Treated Wood
Medical Waste
Nappies, Wipes & Towels
Recycling
Empty Glass Bottles & Jars
General Waste
Steel Cans
Food Organics
Aluminium/Steel Cans & Foil
Problem Waste
This gives Bayside the opportunity to breathe new life into these recyclable materials by turning them into valuable resources and diverting them from landfill.
ACCEPTED ITEMS
Other Initiatives
We provide businesses with a yellow-lidded bin for recycling commercial items.
Strategy
Commercial Waste Requirements These requirements apply to all properties in Bayside, including properties that use a private waste collection service.
General Waste
You must follow these waste service requirements when presenting bins/waste on Council’s public land. These requirements help keep waste services safe, clean and efficient for everyone. If they are not followed, Council may provide information and support, change how services are provided, or take compliance action where needed. It is the responsibility of the property owner, occupier, manager or other person responsible for the premises to ensure these requirements are met.
Food Organics
General requirements The following requirements apply to all bins presented on public land, regardless of whether the property has a service with Council:
Recycling
Do not block footpaths, roads, parking spaces, driveways, bike paths or emergency access.
Do not block bus stops, signs, power poles, street furniture or other public infrastructure.
Make sure your waste does not create litter, bad smells, pests or pollution.
Make sure your waste does not create safety or access issues for other people.
Do not place waste in gutters, verge gardens/garden beds, traffic islands or other unauthorised locations.
Problem Waste
Bin requirements When to put bins out
Other Initiatives
Help keep our streets tidy by minimising the time your bins are left out.
Put your bins out the evening before collection day and no later than 4:30am on collection day.
Return bins to your property as soon as possible after collection, bins must be returned to your property within 24 hours.
Do not store bins on public land between collection days.
Placed in the approved collection location for your property. This may be on the kerb, nature strip, road shoulder, parking lane or another approved location.
At least 30 cm apart from other bins.
At least 1 metre away from parked cars, trees, power poles and other obstacles.
Upright and stable.
Easy for the collection truck to access.
Food Organics
30 cm minimum
Strategy
Bins must be:
General Waste
Where to place bins
Bins must not be: Placed under trees, powerlines or other overhead obstacles.
Placed behind parked cars.
Placed with bin handles facing the road.
Placed where they create a safety risk.
Placed where they block footpaths, driveways or public infrastructure.
Placed on public land for any purpose other than waste collection, including reserving or blocking parking spaces.
Placed somewhere different from the approved location.
Using your bins correctly
Only put accepted items in each bin.
Keep the lid fully closed.
Do not overfill bins.
Do not make bins heavier than 70kg for 240L bins, or heavier than 300kg for 660L or 1100L bins.
Do not compact or jam materials in bins.
Do not leave extra waste beside or on top of bins. Extra waste won’t be collected and may be treated as illegal dumping.
Other Initiatives
Problem Waste
Recycling
Strategy
Wrong items in bins (contamination)
General Waste
Contaminated bins containing the wrong items may be tagged and not collected.
You may be asked to remove incorrect items before the next collection.
Ongoing contamination may lead to collection restrictions or other compliance action.
For detailed information about accepted and prohibited materials, refer to the General Waste, Recycling and Food Organics sections of this Guide.
Exemptions and Alternative Arrangements Food Organics
Where a property cannot reasonably comply with one or more requirements contained in these requirements, an application may be made to Council seeking approval for alternative waste management arrangements. Any exemption or alternative arrangement:
Must be approved by Council in writing.
May be subject to conditions.
Does not apply unless written approval has been granted.
Recycling
For information regarding exemptions, contact Council.
Non-Compliance and Enforcement Council applies a graduated compliance approach that prioritises education and corrective action before enforcement. Where non-compliance is identified, Council may:
Problem Waste
Provide education or advice.
Undertake inspections.
Direct waste management issues to be rectified.
Refuse collection of non-compliant waste.
Apply service restrictions or other service-based controls.
Undertake enforcement action in accordance with the Waste Management Policy and relevant legislation.
Other Initiatives
Penalties may apply under relevant legislation. For more information visit: www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/waste
Safe Disposal of Batteries Batteries can cause fires in garbage and recycling trucks, putting waste workers, the community and the environment at risk. Bayside Council has experienced several batteryrelated fires across different waste streams. Do not place batteries in your waste or recycling bins. Instead, take used or unwanted batteries to a battery recycling drop-off point. Find your nearest battery recycling location online at www.bcycle.com.au by selecting ‘Find a Drop Off’.
Strategy General Waste Food Organics
Go to the Planet Ark Business Recycling webpage to find out where you can safely dispose of your materials, chemicals or e-waste at: businessrecycling.com.au
Recycling
If you have any hazardous chemicals and electronic waste that need to be disposed of, Planet Ark’s Business Recycling webpage has an extensive directory/search function that provides you with the most convenient disposal options for a range of chemicals and e-waste.
Problem Waste
It is dangerous to dispose of chemicals in your bins, down drains, toilets or sinks. Chemicals and pesticides can harm our environment and our health. It is important to make sure that chemicals are disposed of safely.
Other Initiatives
Commercial Chemicals and e-Waste
Strategy
Single-Use Plastics Ban
General Waste
The NSW Government has implemented a ban on certain single-use plastic items to reduce plastic waste and its impact on the environment. From 1 November 2022, the following items are prohibited: Single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and cutlery. Single-use plastic plates and bowls (excluding those with plastic lining).
Food Organics
Expanded polystyrene (EPS) food service items, such as cups and clamshell containers.
Packaging alternatives
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR A BUSINESS? If your business provides takeaway items, you must transition to compliant alternatives. Failing to do so could result in fines.
Recycling
SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING ALTERNATIVES FOR TAKEAWAY Here are some options to consider. Cutlery:
Wooden or bamboo cutlery.
Plates & bowls:
Paper or cardboard products (compostable). Reusable options for dine-in services.
Problem Waste
Straws:
Paper straws. Reusable straws for dine-in (e.g. metal or silicone).
Containers:
Cardboard or sugarcane fiber containers.
Additional tips: Promote reusable options where possible, such as offering incentives for customers who bring their own containers.
Other Initiatives
SUPPORT AND RESOURCES For more information about the ban and guidance on packaging alternatives, visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/ plastics/bans-guidance
To report litter or illegal dumping contact Council via the website at www.bayside.nsw.gov.au/waste, the Bayside Waste Services App, or by calling Council’s Customer Service on 1300 581 299.
After the successful smart solar CCTV trailer trial period, Council continues to use mobile CCTV trailers in illegal dumping hotspot locations. This program aims to increase surveillance of hotspot locations, reduce incidents and create community awareness. The CCTV trailers are complemented by an illegal dumping awareness program which includes mailbox drops, community engagement, signage, regular patrols and incident investigations.
Problem Waste
ILLEGAL DUMPING AWARENESS PROGRAMS
Other Initiatives
Bayside Council will develop a combined Litter & Illegal Dumping Prevention Strategy & Action Plan to provide a roadmap of how we plan to achieve our litter and illegal dumping reduction targets over the long-term.
Recycling
Food Organics
In 2024, Council was awarded grant funding by the NSW Government to develop a litter prevention strategy. Through this funding Council aims to develop a baseline of litter in the LGA, and establish a roadmap of litter prevention initiatives that support NSW Government litter reduction targets.
Strategy
LITTERING AND ILLEGAL DUMPING
General Waste
Waste Programs
Bayside Customer Service Centres Rockdale Library, 444-446 Princes Highway, Rockdale Westfield Eastgardens, 152 Bunnerong Road, Eastgardens Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm Phone 1300 581 299 | 02 9562 1666
Let’s sort it Bayside.
Together, we can recover more resources for a sustainable Bayside.