Disposing of unwanted household items from public housing
Leaving unwanted household items outside your property or on the street is illegal, and can result in fines up to $4000. Here are some ways to dispose of unwanted items legally.
Council collection service
Many local councils offer free collection services for unwanted bulky household items. If you have something that can’t go in your waste or recycling bin, call your council and ask them about their bulky household item collection services. Each council has different rules about the type and quantity of household items that can be collected.
If you live in a unit complex your local council may have special rules about collection services for your home. Contact your Client Service Officer who can assist organise a clean-up service for the whole complex.
If you have household waste not suitable for the council collection, you can take your items to a Resource Recovery Centre. Fees may apply.
Contact your local council for advice on what recycling and waste services are available in your area.
Reuse, donate, recycle or sell unwanted items
Before contacting your council about their household item collection services, consider whether you can help people in need and keep waste out of landfill.
Reuse
Some councils support reuse and repair centres that collect, repair and sell furniture, appliances, household goods, bikes, books and more. The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre offers a free collection service for household furniture and items in good condition in many council areas in Sydney.
Donate
Consider giving useable items to friends or family, or donating them to charities or op-shops. Many charities accept furniture, toys, clothes, books and appliances that are in a good condition.
Recycle
Planet Ark’s Recycling Near You website to find out what you can and cannot recycle, There is also information about where you can drop-off your items to be recycled.
Sell or trade
Take unwanted items to a pawnshop or use social media, online marketplaces to list your items for sale, trade or free collection.
How to recycle problem household waste
Community Recycling Centres are drop-off centres for household waste that can’t be collected via council kerbside waste and recycling services. They are free and permanent drop-off locations run by local councils and organisations in partnership with the NSW Government.
Types of problem household waste:
- paint
- gas bottles
- fire extinguishers
- motor and other oils
- household and car batteries
- smoke detectors
- fluorescent lights.
Find a community recycling centre
E-waste
Electronic waste such as TVs, computers, telephones, entertainment appliances and household appliances (vacuum, microwave, toaster) can contain materials that should be recycled.
Contact your local council or visit Recycling Near You to find out where you can take your e-waste for recycling.
Moving out of your property
You are responsible for ensuring that all your belongings and any waste from the property are removed at the end of a tenancy.
You may be required to pay for the cost of storing and/or disposing of household items you leave behind, after you have been given correct notice.