The City is introducing a new Waste Local Law to update outdated rules and create clearer, easier-to-understand local laws.

Previously, waste-related rules were included within the Consolidated Local Law 2005 and the Health Local Law 2002. These laws are more than 20 years old and were not designed to support modern waste services, such as the three-bin FOGO system.

As part of a broader review of all local laws, the City is deconsolidating the old Consolidated Local Law. This means large, combined local laws are being separated into smaller, topic-specific local laws that are easier to understand and apply.

Through this process:

• Waste-related rules are being moved into a dedicated Waste Local Law

• Relevant waste provisions from the Health Local Law 2002 and Consolidated Local Law 2005 will be incorporated into the new Waste Local Law

• Once the new local laws are finalised, the older provisions in those existing laws will be repealed

This approach helps ensure the City’s local laws:

• Reflect modern waste services and practices

• Provide clear responsibilities for residents, businesses and builders

• Support education and reduce contamination

• Allow the City to manage waste services safely and efficiently

The Local Law also supports the City’s broader responsibility to review and modernise its local laws within the required legislative timeframe.

The Waste Local Law sets out the rules for how waste services work in the City and what residents, businesses and builders need to do when using waste services.

It helps the City:

• Manage waste collection services

• Support recycling and FOGO (food and garden organics)

• Keep streets and public areas clean

• Make sure bins are used safely and correctly

• Address ongoing problems when education alone doesn’t work.

The Local Law updates older rules that were more than 20 years old and did not reflect modern waste services like the three-bin system.

The Local Law includes rules about:

Household bins

• Using the correct bin for the correct waste

• Not overfilling bins

• Keeping bin lids closed

• Placing bins correctly on the verge

• Keeping bins clean and in good condition
  

Residents must place bins:

• Facing the road

• At least 0.5 metres apart

• At least 1 metre from obstacles

• With lids fully closed

• Not under low branches or overhead obstacles

These rules help ensure safe and efficient collection.

In serious or repeated cases of contamination, the City may issue a modified penalty or remove the receptacle

Verge collections

For bulk or green waste verge collections:

Residents must:

• Place items out only during the advertised collection period

• Follow collection guidelines

• Not remove items for commercial purposes

These rules help ensure safe collections and prevent hazards.

Waste facilities (recycling centres)

Visitors must:

• Follow signs and staff directions

• Pay any required fees

• Not deposit hazardous waste without approval

• Not light fires or damage equipment

Aggressive behaviour towards staff is prohibited.

Building and construction waste

Builders must:

• Provide bins on building sites

• Keep waste contained

• Prevent rubbish from blowing onto streets

• Remove waste when construction is finished

This helps keep neighbourhoods clean during construction.

Compliance and enforcement

If rules are not followed:

1. The staff will first communicate and provide education

1. A written notice may be issued

1. If the issue continues, fines may apply

1. This approach supports behaviour change while maintaining fairness.

All residents, businesses and ratepayers who use the City's waste services, including but not limited to:

• kerbside collection
• verge collection
• parks and community bins
• recycling centres
• builders who are working within the City of swan

Modified penalties are available under the Local Law, but education is always the first step.

Penalties are generally used only if:

• Issues continue after warnings

• Safety risks are created

• There is deliberate misuse of waste services

1. The staff will first communicate and provide education
2. A written notice may be issued
3. If the issue continues, fines may apply

This approach supports behaviour change while maintaining fairness.

Most issues will be addressed through education first.

If contamination continues, the City may:

• Provide feedback or warnings

• Issue a written notice

• In serious cases, remove a recycling or FOGO receptacle

No.

Waste must fit inside the bin with the lid closed. Overfilled bins will not be collected.
If you require additional storage space, please reach out to the City as there are options to purchase additional bins.

Correct placement helps:

• Protect collection staff

• Prevent damage to vehicles and property

• Ensure bins are emptied safely

Yes, but only in certain situations, such as:

• Ongoing contamination

• Non-payment of waste charges

• Failure to follow directions

No.

Illegal dumping is managed under other laws and legislation.

Yes, residents must follow advertised collection dates and guidelines.

This helps keep streets safe and ensures collections run smoothly.

You should contact the City as soon as possible so it can be repaired or replaced. Please call 9267 9267 or submit your report via the Repair a damaged bin

Yes.

Builders must provide waste bins on site and keep building areas clean.

For information on the procedure for making a local law head to:

https://www.dlgsc.wa.gov.au/department/publication...

No, but it will be considered as part of the decision-making process. State legislation requires certain provisions to remain.