Household bin latch trial
The latches help keep your bin lids secured so that if the bin tips over, the waste won’t escape to pollute our neighbourhoods, waterways and the environment. The latches also help to stop animals and birds from getting into your bins.
We are providing and installing the bin latches free of cost.
During the trial, we’ll check the amount of windblown waste in the area to measure the effectiveness of the latches. After 6 months, we’ll also ask for your feedback.
This trial is part of Council's commitment to finding innovative solutions to respond to waste issues in the community.
What do I need to do?
If you have received a letter about this trial, all you need to do is place your landfill bin (red lid) and recycling bin (yellow lid) out on the collection days listed in your letter and leave them on the kerb until 3pm, even if they’re empty.
Our officers will be available on your installation days to answer any questions you may have.
How the latches work
Our officers have trialled and selected the latches for their ease of use, and your bins will still be easy to open using one hand.
Different latches are being trialled on different streets.
SafeWaste latches
The SafeWaste latches are hooked under the rim of the lid to keep them secure. To open the lid, simply unhook the latch. The latches are designed to ‘release’ when the bin is tipped upside down during kerbside collection.
Watch a video demonstration of how to use your SafeWaste latches below:
Litter Lock bin latch
The Litter Lock latch fastens automatically when the bin lid is closed and are designed to be easy to open with one hand. On collection days, the latch is opened by the truck collection mechanism.
Watch a video demonstration of how to use your Litter Lock latch below:
Contact us
If you have mobility issues that may prevent you from using the latch, have any concerns with the latch being installed on your bin or have questions about the trial, please contact the Litter Prevention Officer to discuss your options:
FAQs
What is the bin latch trial?
We’re introducing a bin latch trial to:
- prevent household waste from escaping from landfill (red-lid) and recycling (yellow-lid) bins.
- keep our streets clean, improve health and safety and protect the environment.
Over 6 months, our officers will check in on the amount of windblown waste in the area to measure the effectiveness of the latches.
At the end of the 6 months, we’ll survey you for your feedback on the success of the trial.
Why are we running this trial?
We are trialling options to prevent waste escaping from household bins and investigating ways to help manage waste issues raised by our community.
The area of the trial has been identified as experiencing significant issues with waste management and uncontained waste.
What do the bin latches do?
The latches will help keep bin lids fastened so that waste won’t escape, even if your bin tips over on windy days. They also help to prevent animals and bird life from getting into waste.
Escaped waste can pollute our neighbourhoods and stormwater systems.
How do the latches work? Will they stop my bins from being emptied on collection days?
Our officers have trialled and selected the latches for their ease of use, and your bins will still be easy to open using one hand.
The SafeWaste latches are easily hooked under the rim of the bin to keep them secure, and are designed to 'release' when tipped upside down.
Visit SafeWaste's website for more information.
The Litter Lock bin clip will fasten automatically when the bin lid is closed, and is opened by the truck collection mechanism, ensuring your kerbside collection won't be affected.
Visit Litter Lock's website for more information.
Are these bin latches accessible?
The latches were selected for their easy operation, but please contact the Litter Prevention Officer to discuss your specific needs and the suitability of the latches:
When are the latches being installed?
The latches will be installed on your bins by Council officers free of cost on two collection days in October (one for your landfill bin and one for your recycling bin).
The collection dates are listed in a letter our officers have delivered to your property.
All you need to do is place your bins out on these collection days and leave them on the kerb until 3pm, even if they’re empty. Our officers will also be available on the installation day to answer any questions you may have.
What if I miss the bin installation dates?
We understand that some people may be away on the dates of installation and may not be able to leave their bins out. If you miss either of your bin installation dates, please contact our Litter Prevention Officer:
How long will the latches be on my bin?
The trial will be conducted over 6 months. After the trial, we will seek your feedback and keep you informed of the outcome.
What will happen to the latches after the trial?
After 6 months, depending on the outcomes of the trial, the latch may be removed or left on your bin if you choose. If the latches are removed, they will be returned to the manufacturer for recycling where possible.