Missed Bin Collection What to Do
Understanding Bin Collections
The City of Wanneroo is committed to providing reliable waste collection services to all residents. However, occasionally bins may be missed during scheduled collection rounds. This guide explains what to do if your bin wasn't collected, how to report the issue, and steps to prevent future missed collections.
Most missed collections are resolved quickly, and understanding the process will help ensure your waste is collected as soon as possible.
Common Reasons for Missed Collections
Before reporting a missed collection, it's helpful to understand why bins might not be collected:
Bin Placement Issues
- Bin placed out after 6:00 AM on collection day
- Bin positioned too far from the kerb or on the property
- Bin blocked by parked cars, trailers, or other obstacles
- Bin placed behind trees, posts, or street furniture
- Bins placed too close together (need 50cm spacing)
- Wheels not facing the property
Bin Condition Problems
- Lid not fully closed or bin overfilled
- Bin damaged with broken wheels or handles
- Bin contaminated with incorrect materials
- Weight exceeding collection limits (approximately 75kg)
- Items wedged in the bin preventing emptying
Operational Factors
- Collection truck mechanical breakdown
- Unexpected staff shortages
- Severe weather conditions affecting safety
- Road closures or traffic incidents
- Different collection route on public holidays
Contamination
- Incorrect items in recycling (yellow) or FOGO (green) bins
- Hazardous materials visible in any bin
- Excessive liquid or food contamination in recycling bin
When to Report a Missed Collection
You should report a missed collection if:
- Your bin was placed out correctly by 6:00 AM
- Neighboring bins on your street were collected
- Your bin remains uncollected by 5:00 PM on your scheduled collection day
- There are no visible issues with your bin placement or condition
Wait until 5:00 PM on your collection day before reporting, as collection routes may vary and trucks may return to complete missed streets later in the day.
How to Report a Missed Collection
The City of Wanneroo offers several convenient ways to report missed bin collections:
Online Reporting (Fastest Method)
- Visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Go to Services > Waste & Recycling > Missed Bin Collection
- Click "Report Missed Collection"
- Log in to MyWanneroo or continue as a guest
- Enter your property address
- Select which bin(s) were missed (Red, Yellow, or Green lid)
- Provide your collection day
- Add any additional details or photos if relevant
- Submit your report
- You'll receive a reference number and email confirmation
Phone Reporting
Contact the City's Customer Service team during business hours:
- Phone: (08) 9405 5000
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Information to provide: Your address, which bin was missed, and your scheduled collection day
- Reference number: You'll be given a reference number to track your report
Email Reporting
Send an email with your missed collection details:
- Email: enquiries@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Subject line: "Missed Bin Collection - [Your Address]"
- Include: Full address, which bin was missed, scheduled collection day, and any relevant photos
Mobile App
Download the MyWanneroo app for quick reporting on the go:
- Available for iOS and Android devices
- Report missed collections with GPS location
- Upload photos to support your report
- Track the status of your report in real-time
What Happens After You Report
Once you've reported a missed collection, here's what you can expect:
Investigation Process
- Report logged: Your report is recorded in the City's system within 1 business hour
- Verification: The waste collection contractor is notified to investigate
- Assessment: The contractor checks their collection records and driver notes
- Resolution: If confirmed as missed, a collection is scheduled
Collection Timeframes
| Situation | Expected Collection Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Confirmed missed collection (no fault) | Next business day |
| Bin placement issue corrected | Within 2-3 business days |
| Contamination issue resolved | Next scheduled collection after contamination removed |
| Mechanical breakdown | Within 1-2 business days |
Communication
The City will keep you updated through:
- Email updates sent to the address provided in your report
- SMS notifications (if mobile number provided)
- Status updates viewable through the MyWanneroo portal or app
If Your Bin is Contaminated
If your bin wasn't collected due to contamination, you'll typically receive a tag or notice explaining the issue. Here's what to do:
Yellow Lid (Recycling) Contamination
- Review the contamination notice to identify problematic items
- Remove all non-recyclable items from the bin
- Check our "What Goes in Which Bin" guide for correct sorting
- Place the bin out on your next scheduled recycling collection day
- If contamination is severe, you may need to transfer contents to your red (general waste) bin
Green Lid (FOGO) Contamination
- Remove plastic bags, packaging, or other non-organic items
- Ensure only food scraps and garden waste are in the bin
- Use paper or newspaper for lining, not plastic bags
- Place out on your next scheduled green bin collection day
Important: Repeated contamination may result in your recycling or FOGO service being suspended until the issue is resolved.
Public Holidays and Service Changes
Bin collections are affected by public holidays:
- Christmas Day and New Year's Day: No collections occur
- Other public holidays: Collections may be delayed by one day
- Notification: The City will notify residents of any schedule changes via website, social media, and local media
If your collection day falls on or after a public holiday, check the City's website for the adjusted schedule before reporting a missed collection.
Preventing Future Missed Collections
Follow these best practices to ensure your bins are collected every time:
Proper Bin Placement Checklist
- Place bins on the verge, not on the road or footpath
- Position bins with wheels facing your property and handle facing the street
- Space bins at least 50cm (arm's length) apart
- Keep bins at least 1 meter away from trees, poles, and mailboxes
- Ensure clear access from the street (no parked cars, trailers, or obstacles)
- Place bins out by 6:00 AM on collection day
Bin Maintenance Tips
- Ensure lid closes completely – don't overfill
- Keep bins clean to avoid attracting pests
- Report damaged bins for repair or replacement
- Secure lid during windy weather
- Remove any items stuck inside the bin
Correct Sorting
- Refer to the City's sorting guide regularly
- When in doubt, place items in the red (general waste) bin
- Rinse recycling containers to remove food residue
- Never bag recyclables or organics in plastic bags
Damaged or Missing Bins
If your bin is damaged or stolen, contact the City to request a replacement:
- Damaged bins: Free replacement if damaged during normal use
- Lost or stolen bins: Report to police first, then contact the City for replacement (fee may apply)
- Replacement timeframe: Typically within 5-10 business days
Additional Waste Services
If you have excess waste that won't fit in your bins, consider these options:
- Bulk waste collection: Book your free annual verge collection
- Additional bins: Request an extra bin for your property (fees apply)
- Waste facility: Take excess waste to the City's Waste Education and Recycling Centre
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund on my rates if my bin is repeatedly missed?
While refunds are not typically provided for missed collections, the City takes service issues seriously. Persistent problems will be investigated and resolved. Contact Customer Service to discuss ongoing concerns.
What if my bin is damaged by the collection truck?
Report damaged bins immediately. The City will investigate and replace bins damaged during collection at no cost to you.
Can I leave my bin out permanently?
No. Local laws require bins to be returned to your property within 24 hours of collection to maintain street appearance and pedestrian access.
Contact Information
For missed collections or waste services inquiries:
- Website: www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- Phone: (08) 9405 5000
- Email: enquiries@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
- MyWanneroo App: Available on iOS and Android
- In Person: 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065 (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)