Bin type 

Operation 

Residential 

Non-residential

Kerbside collection

Council provided 'wheelie' bins

Conducted by collection vehicle on the street. It is the resident's, business owner's or strata's responsibility to move the bins to and from the street.

Most common. Used for single dwellings and some multi dwelling housing.

For properties with less than 5 tenancies.

Collect-and-return

Council provided 'wheelie' bins or communal waste bins

The collection vehicle parks at the property frontage, and the council operators enter the property and retrieve the bins for collection from the presentation point. A presentation point is the area where bins can be collected by operators near the street entry. In some situations, this is separate to the communal waste storage area.

When the site conditions do not allow for kerbside collection or on-site collection.

Generally, for properties with between 5 and 50 dwellings.

Properties with 5 or more tenancies, but less than 13,200 litres of general waste. Or as discussed with CN.

On-site collection

Communal waste bins

The collection vehicle enters the site to collect the waste.

For an apartment building with more than 50 dwellings or as agreed with CN.

Properties producing more than 13,200 litres of general waste.

Development category

Application requirements

Explanatory notes

Development proposing:

1. erection or alteration of a building or structure
2. major demolition works
3. carrying out subdivision earthworks
4. clearing of land
5. change of use.

Submit a SWMMP for approval.

The SWMMP must address the following:

1. types of waste including green waste, and volumes of wastes and recyclables likely to be generated at the demolition and construction phase of development
2. how ongoing waste management will operate once the development is complete (for the life of the development)
3. how waste and recyclables will be stored and treated on site
4. how waste and recyclables are to be disposed of
5. supporting drawings to assist in demonstrating compliance with waste controls
6. nominated on-site waste storage and collection areas for the development are clearly identified on scaled site plans.

To guide the writing of a SWMMP, Preparing a Site Waste Minimisation and Management Plan (SWMMP) form can be accessed from the CN website. The level of detail required for the SWMMP will vary with the size and complexity of the proposed development. 

Proposals requiring on-site waste collection

Submitted plans showing swept path model allowing access for CN's collection vehicle.

Controls (C)

Acceptable solutions (AS)

Explanatory notes

C-1. Identify potential reuse/recycling opportunities for demolition and construction materials through the SWMMP.

AS-1. Conduct a materials assessment at the beginning of the project to identify materials that can be reused or recycled.

AS-2. Create a process to separate and store reusable and recyclable materials during the demolition and construction phases of the project.

AS-3. Identify potential local and regional outlets for the sale or donation of reusable materials, such as salvage yards, building material reuse centres, or community groups.

The demolition and construction stages of development provide great scope for waste minimisation. Applicants are actively encouraged to consider possible adaptive reuse opportunities of existing buildings/structures, reuse of materials or parts thereof.

C-2. A suitable waste container must be provided at the work site before work commences and is regularly serviced to prevent overflowing waste and windblown waste from leaving site.

AS-1. Provide a waste container that meets the following requirements:

1. at least one cubic metre capacity
2. regularly serviced, and appropriate for the waste being stored. Small or light items should be secured
3. it can be a fabric wrapped mesh cage or a temporary fence cage enclosure (recommend sediment fence is placed in front, to prevent small waste escaping out the bottom) or an industry hired skip bin.

Any demolition must be carried out in accordance with AS2601-2001, The demolition of structures.

C-3. Handling management, transport and disposal of hazardous materials including asbestos must be in accordance with relevant waste legislation administered by the Environmental Protection Authority and relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation and Codes of Practice administered by SafeWork NSW, and AS2601-2001, The demolition of structures.

Controls (C)

Acceptable solutions (AS)

Explanatory notes

C-1. Provide adequate space within each dwelling for the interim storage of general waste and recycling.

AS-1. Space in the kitchen is to be of sufficient size to hold at least a single day's waste and recycling.

1. screened from the main living spaces of dwellings, public roads and views from neighbours
2. located away from doors, windows and air intakes of any dwellings or businesses
3. sized to accommodate CN's standard bin allocations.

CN deliver a three-bin kerbside collection system for residential properties. The size of these bins is detailed in Table C6.01.

Table C6.01: CN waste bin types and capacities 

C-3. If adequate space is available, an area for composting is to be provided on site.

1. located and at a proximity from the dwelling/s (including those adjoining the subject property), to minimise likely odour impacts / nuisance
2.  provided with adequate drainage infrastructure, where necessary.

C-4. Help eliminate servicing difficulties and to maintain positive visual amenity and hygiene in the local area, bins should not be presented for collection any earlier than the afternoon / evening prior to the scheduled collection day. All bins to be removed from the collection point (kerbside) by the property occupant as soon as possible after emptying.

Controls (C)

Acceptable solutions (AS)

Explanatory notes

C-1. Kerbside collection will only be supported where it is demonstrated that there is adequate space and there will be no adverse impact on safety, traffic flows and amenity. Kerbside collection will not be permitted in the renewal corridors.

AS-1. The following will be considered when deciding if kerbside collection is appropriate to the site:

1. area on street available for bin presentation
2. number of dwellings (less than 5 dwellings)
3. availability of a safe vehicle stopping area.

CN are the roads authority under the Roads Act 1993 as well as the waste authority under the Local Government Act 1993 and it is important to be mindful that the footpath forms part of the legal 'road' for the purposes of the Roads Act 1993. As the roads authority, CN can direct residents to place bins where they can be collected. CN does not limit residents to placing bins on the kerbside – but will make the final determination as to where they are placed. 

For further information on the renewal corridors, see Section E8 Renewal Corridors.

1. Collect-and-return, or
2. Onsite collection for apartments with more than 50 dwellings.

AS-1. Collect-and return is generally used for developments with five or more dwellings.

AS-2. In certain circumstances, where site constraints are present, collect and return services may be considered as an alternative to onsite collection for apartments with more than 50 dwellings.

There are three types of waste collection: on-site, kerbside and collect-and-return. 

• On-site collection is when the collection activity occurs on the private site. 
• Collect-and-return is when the collection vehicle parks at the property frontage, and the operators enter the property and retrieve the bins for collection from the presentation point. A presentation point is the area where bins can be collected by operators near the street entry. In some situations, this is separate to the communal waste storage area. 
• Kerbside collection is conducted by CN's collection vehicle from the street. It is the resident's or strata's responsibility to move the bins to and from the street. 

C-3. For kerbside collection the size and number of the waste bins must be in accordance with the most recent 'Better practice guide for resource recovery in residential developments' as amended or replaced by the EPA.

CN deliver a three-bin kerbside collection system for residential properties in Newcastle.

The size and number of bins provided by CN will be discussed after the receipt of the SWMMP.

C-4. When a collect-and-return service is used, developments with five or more residential dwellings must have a communal refuse bin presentation area, located within 10 metres of the property boundary – no bins presented to street. Bins shall be of a size deemed appropriate.  

AS-1. The bin-carting route (from holding room to collection point):

1. is to be direct and as short as possible
2. is to be solid, concrete and non-slip
3. is to be paved and be a minimum of 1.8m wide
4. is to be free from obstructions and is not required to be carried over any steps, landscape edging or gutters / kerbs
5. for smaller bins (140, 240 or 360 litres) is to be a maximum of 10m in length and a maximum grade of 7%
6. for larger bins (660L &1100 litres), the maximum length of the route of travel is 10m and a maximum of 5%.

AS-2. If the bin storage room is a different location to the collection point, the collection point is to store waste bins only temporarily.

For on-site collection and collect-and-return, when any CN worker or contractor enters private property to conduct work, a Site Access Licence is required (essentially an insurance indemnity) – it also broadly outlines the service. For developments where on-site collection is required or where CN collectors are required to enter a site for the purpose of waste collection services, an agreement will be required to be entered into with CN. This agreement is to be entered into with CN giving power and authority to CN to enter the site and for the purpose of waste services. CN is also to be provided with indemnity against any future claims for damage and loss.

Bin transfer will also need to comply Work Health and Safety legislation.

1. of sufficient size to accommodate all required waste bins for the development,
2.   located at ground level away from pedestrian entrances of the development and habitable windows (including both the development and adjoining dwellings),
3.   clearly separated from car parking bays (on or off street), footpaths and landscaped areas.

AS-1. The waste bin collection point is to be located fully within the development site, unless specifically approved.

AS-2. Consideration will be given to multiple waste bin holding areas for larger developments.

C-6. Onsite servicing must accommodate waste collection and loading within the basement of the building or at grade within the building in a dedicated collection or loading bay.

AS-1. Adequate access must be provided for CN’s waste collection vehicles as follows:

1. the site must be designed to allow collection vehicles to enter and exit the site in a forward direction with limited manoeuvring and reversing on-site
2. the route of travel (including vehicle manoeuvring areas) for the waste collection vehicle to the collection point is to satisfy the typical dimensions of heavy rigid vehicle. This also includes adequate vehicle clearance for the vehicle. AS2890.2 provides typical dimensions, turning circles and clearance heights
3. the route of travel for the waste vehicle is to be adequately paved and of sufficient strength to support the waste collection vehicle
4. the grades of entry and exit ramps must not exceed the capabilities of the waste collection vehicle and are to comply with AS2890.2 
5. the waste collection point and parking area for the waste vehicle is to be clearly nominated with dimensions on the site plan.

In accordance with the Local Government Act 1993, CN must make and levy an annual charge for domestic waste management services in respect of all rateable land within their areas for which the domestic waste management service is available (irrespective of whether those services are utilised).

For on-site collection and collect-and-return, when any CN worker or contractor enters private property to conduct work, a Site Access Licence is required (essentially an insurance indemnity) – it also broadly outlines the service. For developments where on-site collection is required or where CN collectors are required to enter a site for the purpose of waste collection services, an agreement will be required to be entered into with CN. This agreement is to be entered into with CN giving power and authority to CN to enter the site and for the purpose of waste services. CN is also to be provided with indemnity against any future claims for damage and loss.

C-7. For onsite, servicing development must be capable of being serviced by a heavy rigid vehicle as defined under AS2890.2.

C-8. Communal waste storage areas' design and location must:

1. be of sufficient size to accommodate all ongoing waste generation associated with the development
2. complement the public domain
3. reduce potential noise, hygiene, odour, pollution, traffic, as well as health and safety impacts
4. encourage informed recycling
5. be convenient to use and easily accessed by occupants and waste collectors.

AS-1. The following will be considered by CN when deciding if a communal waste storage area is required on site:

1. area on street available for bin presentation
2. number of dwellings
3. availability of safe vehicle stopping area.

1. not immediately adjoin private open space, windows or clothes drying area
2. provide space for all waste streams including general waste, green waste and comingled recycling
3. provide an aisle space of at least 1.2m to access and manoeuvre the bins
4. allow for 140, 240 and/ or 360 litre bins to be wheeled to the street kerb (or other CN agreed collection point) over flat or ramped surfaces with a maximum grade of 7%, not over steps, landscape edging, gutters / kerbing or the like,
5. where required, allow for bulk garbage bins (such as 660 litre and 1,100 litre bins) to be wheeled out and be serviced by a rear loading garbage truck on a flat surface with a maximum grade of 5%, and not over steps, landscape edging gutters / kerbing or the like
6. be screened or discreetly positioned away from communal spaces
7. be separated from the car parking areas and located away from the circulation path of other vehicles
8. where applicable, is within the basement footprint
9. provide sufficient space for any required equipment to manage waste, waste bins (including washing and cleaning) and the waste bin storage area.

AS-3. Communal waste storage area (including individual containers) is suitably signposted to ensure appropriate use.

AS-4. Where the communal waste storage area includes an enclosed room, design this be designed in accordance with the following:

1. floors are of concrete at least 75mm thick and graded and drained to a hunter water approved drainage fitting
2. the floors are finished to a smooth even surface
3. the walls are of solid impervious material
4. the ceilings are finished with a smooth faced non-absorbent material capable of being cleaned
5. walls, ceilings and floors are finished in a light colour
6. provision of an adequate supply of hot and cold water mixed through a centralised mixing valve with hose cock
7. provision of a close fitting and self-closing door openable from within the room
8. ability to prevent the entry of vermin
9. provision of adequate light and ventilation. the light source is to be through controlled light switches located both outside and inside the room.

AS-5. Provide a separate area to store the collection of bulky waste that is:

1. capable of holding the bulky waste generated from the development between scheduled pickups
2. located near to the on-site loading bay.

Further information and requirements for freight and servicing can be found in Section C1. These include, but are not limited to:

1. grocery deliveries
2. courier deliveries
3. food delivery
4. maintenance activity (trade vehicles)
5. renovation services
6. bulky item deliveries
7. removalist services
8. waste collection.

For on-site collection and collect-and-return when any CN worker or contractor enters private property to conduct work, a Site Access Licence is required (essentially an insurance indemnity) – it also broadly outlines the service. For developments where on-site collection is required or where CN collectors are required to enter a site for the purpose of waste collection services, an agreement will be required to be entered into with CN. This agreement is to be entered into with CN giving power and authority to CN to enter the site and for the purpose of waste services. CN is also to be provided with indemnity against any future claims for damage and loss.

C-9. Where the waste bin storage area will be secured, the locking mechanism installed must be accessible by CN. The installation of the locking system will be provided by the development at the development’s cost. A PIN keypad security system is preferred or similar.

C-10. If adequate space is available, an area for composting is to be provided on site and made available for the use of residents.

AS-1. Composting facilities are to be:

1. located and at a proximity from the dwellings (including those adjoining the subject property), to minimise likely odour impacts / nuisance
2. provided with adequate drainage infrastructure, where necessary
3. equipped with relevant signage to ensure inappropriate waste is not added to the compost (where this facility is to be shared).

C-11. Bins must be stored on the site unless an alternate approval has been granted by the relevant consent authority to store waste in a public place (such as CN issuing an approval under the Local Government Act 1993).

AS-1. If transferred to a collection point or street for collection, the body corporate or a caretaker is responsible for the movement of bins to and from the collection point.

C-12. Help eliminate servicing difficulties and to maintain a positive visual amenity in the local area, bins should not be presented for collection any earlier than the afternoon / evening prior to the scheduled collection day and that all bins should be removed from the collection point (kerbside) by the property occupant as soon as possible after emptying.

C-13. Residential flat buildings should incorporate a waste management system that enables the transport of waste from private dwellings to a communal facility.

AS-1. This waste management system is to be in accordance with the following:

1. provide waste disposal points on each residential level of the development located within a highly trafficked area for residential use
2. designed to minimise noise and fire risk
3. provides a convenient method for the transfer of waste to a centralised location within the basement/ ground floor
4. provides adequate room to cater for the storage and easy access to all waste bins required for the size of the proposed development.

AS-2. Does not require residents to travel an unreasonable distance to dispose of the waste within designated bins.

Controls (C)

Acceptable solutions (AS)

C-1. Residential and non-residential waste in a mixed use development must be separated and designed in a way that's appropriate for the use.

AS-1. Where mixed use developments include a residential component, separate waste management facilities are to be provided for the residential and non-residential uses in accordance with the relevant criteria in this section.

Controls (C)

Acceptable solutions (AS)

Explanatory notes

C-1. Ensure appropriate resourcing and planning for waste management systems, including servicing.

AS-1. If a development is entitled to CN business waste services, it must be capable of being serviced by CN waste collection services for their rateable waste entitlement.

AS-2. Non-residential developments not entitled to CN business waste services must demonstrate that an appropriate and compliant waste service is in place, provided by a suitable waste collection contractor.

AS-3. If a commercial provider is approved to service the site:

1. All tenants are to keep written evidence on site of a valid contract with a licensed waste contractor for the regular collection and disposal of the waste and recyclables that are generated on site.

AS-4. Provide adequate access for waste collection vehicles where on-site collection is required to service the development, providing that:

1. the site must be designed to allow collection vehicles to enter and exit the site in a forward direction with limited manoeuvring and reversing on-site
2. the route of travel (including vehicle manoeuvring areas) for the waste collection vehicle to the collection point is to satisfy the typical dimensions of the vehicle proposed to be used. This also includes adequate vehicle clearance for the vehicle. AS2890.2 provides typical dimensions, turning circles and clearance heights
3. the waste vehicle travel route is to be adequately paved and of sufficient strength to support the waste collection vehicle
4. the grades of entry and exit ramps must not exceed the capabilities of the waste collection vehicle and are to comply with AS2890.2
5. clearly nominate the waste collection point and parking area for the waste vehicle with dimensions on the site plan.

AS-5. Provide adequate collection vehicle manoeuvring areas demonstrated with swept paths.

 AS-6. The responsibility and administrative arrangements for the ongoing management and servicing of waste storage and / or collection areas is adequate for the development.

Management of commercial waste is managed by CN or private operators depending on the waste management charge levied to the property and the nature of the business. This can be discussed with CN at the pre-DA stage. 

Bin allocation is based on how the property is rated. One set of bins will be approved per rate notice. Annual rates notices show how an existing premises is rated. 

C-1. The design and location of waste storage areas are an integral part of the development and must:

1. be of sufficient size to accommodate all ongoing waste generation associated with the development
2. complement the public domain
3. avoid potential noise, hygiene, odour, pollution, traffic, as well as health and safety impacts
4. be convenient to use and easily accessed (occupants and waste collectors)
5. be protected from theft, vandalism and vermin
6. are flexible in their design to allow for future changes in the operation, tenancies and uses.

AS-1. Development includes designated waste/recycling storage areas or room(s) that:

1. are sized to meet the waste and recycling needs of all tenants
2. accommodate an adequate size and number of waste bins, in accordance with the most recent 'Better practice guide for waste management and recycling in commercial and industrial facilities' as amended or replaced by the EPA
3. are located away from primary street frontages, where applicable, and are suitably screened from public areas to reduce the impacts of noise, odour and visual amenity
4. are suitably enclosed, covered and maintained to prevent polluted wastewater runoff from entering the stormwater system
5. includes a designated area for each tenant that is clearly signposted
6. are provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water mixed through a centralised mixing valve with hose cock
7. are designed and located to consider possible traffic hazards (pedestrian / vehicular) likely to be caused by the storage and collection of waste.

1. located within 10 metres of the property boundary – no bins presented to street
2. facilitate a collect-and-return service.

AS-3. Larger scale developments (more than 13,200 litres of general waste estimated to be generated per week) must have onsite servicing, utilising communal bins.

AS-4. Bins will be of a size deemed appropriate by CN.

AS-5. The design of buildings of three or more storeys must integrate a suitable system for the interim storage and transportation of general waste, comingled recyclables and/or organics/food waste from each storey to the waste storage / collection area.

1.   direct and as short as possible
2.   solid, concrete and non-slip
3.   paved and a minimum of 1.8m wide
4.   free from obstruction and not over any steps, landscape edging or gutters / kerbs
5. for two wheeled waste receptacles a maximum grade of 7%
6.   for four wheeled waste receptacles a maximum grade of 5%.

The EPA generally regulates the management of hazardous waste. Therefore, any applications that will involve hazardous waste may require a licence or permit from the EPA in addition to approval from CN. Please contact CN or the EPA to discuss the requirements for hazardous waste.

C-3. Minimise risk to health and safety associated with handling and disposal of waste and avoid potential noise, hygiene, odour and pollution impacts.

AS-1. Implement design features for waste storage and collection areas, where relevant, as follows:

1. food scraps and organic waste are placed in specialised containment bins and collected on a regular basis (particularly where large volumes of perishable wastes are generated).
2. premises that generate at least 50 litres per day of meat, seafood or poultry waste are to store that waste in a dedicated and refrigerated waste storage area until daily collection.
3. clinical or hazardous and liquid waste are to be placed in specialised containment bins and collected by specialised services.

AS-2. Grease traps must be provided where there is a likelihood of liquid waste entering the drainage systems (contact Hunter Water to obtain trade waste requirements).

Where any liquid waste is likely to be disposed of in the sewer, a trade waste agreement may need to be entered into with Hunter Water. See their website for further information.

C-4. Help eliminate servicing difficulties and maintain a positive visual amenity in the local area, bins should not be presented for collection earlier than the afternoon / evening before the scheduled collection day.  All bins should be removed from the collection point (kerbside) by the property occupant as soon as possible after emptying.