Council Services and Responsibilities

    What waste services does the City provide to residents?

    Mandurah residents receive: 

    • One 240general waste bin (collected weekly) 

    • One 240L recycling bin (collected fortnightly) 

    • One annual junk and metals verge collection 

    • Two annual green waste verge collections 

    • Four tip vouchers (two for green waste, two for general waste – up to 1m³ per voucher) 

    • Access to the Waste Management Centre (WMC) for extra waste (fees apply) 

    • Free disposal of items like scrap metal, bulk cardboard, e-waste, paint, batteries, and more 

    These services are funded through the annual rubbish charge included in your Rates Notice. Residents can also visit the City’s Recycling Hubs to drop off small items like e-waste, batteries, and light globes.

    How do I find my verge collection dates?

    Check the City’s website/waste calendar or use the Near Me Tool to search by your address. 

    What types of waste can I put out for verge collection?

    • Green waste: garden clippingsbranches, small logs 

    • Junk/general waste: furniture, white goods, scrap metal 

    Hazardous waste, building materials, and e-waste are not accepted. 

    Can I get bulk waste picked up outside verge collection times?

    No, only during scheduled verge collections. Residents can use their tip vouchers for extra waste. 

    Can I request an extra bin or a larger bin?

    Yes, you can apply for an additional or larger bin online. Fees apply. 

    What happens to the waste and recycling collected by the City?

    • General waste goes to the Kwinana Energy Recovery Facility 

    • Recycling goes to Cleanaway’s facility in South Guildford 

    Other items like e-waste and hazardous waste are handled separately.  

    Does the City recycle soft plastics or hazardous waste?

    Soft plastics aren’t accepted in kerbside recycling. Hazardous waste can be disposed of at drop-off points listed on the City’s website. 

    Is there an app or online portal to manage waste services?

    Yes, the City has an online waste calendar and reporting tools. 

Illegal Dumping and Littering

    What’s the difference between illegal dumping and littering?

    Illegal dumping is when people leave large items like furniture, building waste, or white goods on purpose, usually in secluded places. Littering tends to be smaller items, such as food packaging, cigarette butts, and plastic bags. Occasionally, littering can be accidental. 

    What are the fines for illegal dumping or littering?

    Fines vary depending on the severity and type of waste. Penalties can range from on-the-spot fines to prosecution under the Litter Act 1979 and Environmental Protection Act 1986.  

    Someone else will clean it – aren’t I supporting local employment?

    The City works hard to keep public spaces clean and safe. But when people litter or dump rubbish, it takes time and money to clean it up. This money comes from ratepayers and could be used for better things like parks, roads, or community projects. The teams responsible for clean-ups would much rather focus on work that benefits the whole community. 

    How can I report illegal dumping or littering?

    You can report litter or illegal dumping: 

    • On the City’s website 

    • By calling customer service 

    • In person 

    Photos and location help our teams respond quickly. You can also call DWER on 1300 784 782 or use the KABC Litter Reporter Scheme for litter from vehicles. 

    What does the City do when illegal dumping is reported?

    The City relies on community reports to identify and respond to incidents of litter, illegal dumping, and overflowing bins. When you report rubbish or illegal dumping: 

    • We log and investigate the report 

    • Schedule clean-up based on urgency and location 

    • Monitor repeat areas and may add signs or cameras 

    Your report helps us keep Mandurah clean and allows resources to be directed where they’re needed most. 

    Why does it take time to clean up dumped rubbish?

    We prioritise clean-ups based on safety, location, and available resources. The City aims to respond promptly but must balance this with other operational demands. 

    Can the City install more bins in public areas to reduce littering?

    We regularly review bin placements and install bins where needed. Community feedback helps identify areas that may need extra bins. 

Community Engagement and Education

    How is the City educating the community about litter and waste?

    We run school programs, workshops, and campaigns to raise awareness about responsible waste disposal and environmental protection. Reducing litter and illegal dumping allows us to redirect resources to more beneficial projects for the community. 

    Can I volunteer for clean-up events or community waste programs?

    Yes! The City supports community-led clean-up events and provides resources for groups and individuals who want to get involved. Organisations include Coastal Waste Warriors, Mandurah Heritage and Environment Group, and KABC’s Adopt-A-Spot program. 

    Does the City work with schools or local groups on waste education?

    Yes, we work with Cleanaway to provide a School Education Program and have worked with other local groups to deliver tailored waste education. 

    How can I help shape the Litter and Illegal Dumping Plan?

    Community feedback is vital. Share your ideas through surveys, workshops, or submitting ideas through Mandurah Matters. 

Equity and Access

    Why don’t renters get tip passes?

    Tip passes are issued to property owners (ratepayers). If you rent, ask your landlord or property manager for them. 

    Can pensioners or low-income households get extra support with waste disposal?

    Pensioners receive 50% discount on general property rates. Contact customer service to discuss eligibility and available assistance. 

Strategic Planning and Infrastructure

    Is the City planning more waste services or facilities?

    We continually review service demand and infrastructure needs, such as public bins. Expansion is considered based on population growth, zoning, and environmental impact. Right now, there are no plans for a second Waste Management Centre. 

    Can we build a waste facility for residents in the south?

    The City’s Waste Management Centre in Parklands is the main hub for waste and recycling. This location was chosen based on zoning, environmental, and planning requirements, which isn’t feasible in south Mandurah. To help everyone manage their waste, the City encourages the use of weekly bin services and annual verge collections. 

    How does the City decide where to put waste infrastructure?

    We’re guided by planning regulations, environmental checks, and community accessibility. 

    What is the long-term plan to reduce illegal dumping in Mandurah?

    We're developing a Litter and Illegal Dumping Plan that includes education, enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and community partnerships. 

    Why isn’t the tip free?

    The City offers residents a full waste service, including weekly rubbish collection, fortnightly recycling, three verge collections, and four free tip vouchers. These services are paid for through your annual rubbish charge, which is part of your Rates Notice. If you have more waste than what’s included, extra fees apply. Making the tip free for everyone would significantly increase operational costs, leading to higher rates. The current system helps support responsible waste disposal, while keeping costs fair.