Brisbane City Council is making it easier than ever to live sustainably!

As part of its commitment to reducing landfill and promoting greener living, Council is rolling out green waste recycling bins to eligible properties across the city. If your home doesn’t currently have a green waste recycling service, you can expect a 240L green-lid bin to arrive by December 2025.

These bins are designed specifically for garden waste like grass clippings, palm fronds, small branches, leaves and bark, helping to keep valuable organic material out of landfill and turning it into nutrient-rich compost instead.

Wondering when your suburb will receive its bins? Visit the Brisbane City Council website to check the delivery schedule.

Make the Most of Your Green Bin: Top 5 Tips

To help you get started, here are five simple tips to make your green waste recycling bin work for you.

Plan Your Mowing Days

Green bins are collected fortnightly, so sync your lawn care with your bin collection schedule. Download the Brisbane Bin and Recycling app to check your collection day and set reminders.

Keep It Loose

Always place garden waste directly into the bin, no plastic bags, even if they’re labelled biodegradable or compostable. Loose waste ensures proper processing and avoids contamination.

Trim to Fit

Large palm fronds or branches? Cut them down so they fit neatly inside the bin. Ensure that you can close your bin lid. 

Watch the Weight

Garden waste can be deceptively heavy. Avoid overloading your bin to ensure it can be safely emptied by collection vehicles.

Stick to Plant Waste Only

Only organic garden waste is allowed. That means no hoses, plastic pots, potting mix bags, or garden tools, these belong in your general waste or recycling bin.

Why It Matters

Green waste recycling is a simple way to reduce your environmental footprint. By diverting garden waste from landfill, we reduce methane emissions and create compost that can be used to enrich soil across Brisbane.

Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this initiative is a great step toward a cleaner, more sustainable city.