Wellington Shire Council’s annual hard waste collection will return this spring, providing residents with a convenient way to dispose of unwanted household items while helping keep homes clean and tidy.
The 2026 hard waste collection will begin Monday, September 28, and run through to Friday, October 30, with collections taking place over five weeks according to residents’ regular kerbside bin collection day.
Council conducts hard waste pick up from properties which receive a kerbside bin collection service, as part of the kerbside service charge listed on their rates notices.
Wellington Shire mayor Cindy Madeley said the annual collection remained one of council’s most valued waste services.
“Hard waste collection is a service that many residents look forward to each year and one that continues to provide real value to our community,” she said.
“We are pleased to continue offering this annual service, which makes it easier for residents to dispose of larger household items, supports cleaner communities and helps reduce illegal dumping.”
This year’s collection will again include electronic waste (e-waste), allowing residents to place items such as televisions, computers, printers and other electronic devices out for collection. While e-waste can be recycled free of charge at any council transfer station throughout the year, including it in hard waste collection provides residents with a convenient kerbside option.
As e-waste is banned from landfill in Victoria, these items will be collected separately and recycled appropriately.
To help collection crews work safely and maximise recycling opportunities, residents have been asked to separate materials into three piles where required, including metal, e-waste and general hard waste, and place them neatly on the nature strip clear of trees, power poles, parked vehicles and footpaths.
Council is also reminding residents not to place prohibited items in hard waste piles, including mattresses, gas bottles and cylinders, unwrapped glass, hazardous chemicals, paints, oils, asbestos, food waste and household garbage.
“By separating materials and ensuring prohibited items are not included, residents can help the collection run smoothly and ensure more materials are recovered and recycled,” Cr Madeley said.
Hard waste items are required to be placed on the nature strip by 6am on the Monday of the relevant collection week.
The collection schedule is based on residents’ normal kerbside bin collection day.
– If a property’s bin is collected on a Friday, its hard waste collection begins Monday, September 28;
– If it’s Thursdays, hard waste collection begins Monday, October 5;
– If it’s Wednesdays, hard waste collection begins Monday, October 12;
– If it’s Tuesdays, hard waste collection begins Monday, October 19, and;
– If it’s Mondays, hard waste collection begins Monday, October 26.
Residents have been asked to place eligible items out no earlier than the week before collections commence in their area.
To view the hard waste collection schedule, or for a full list of items which are acceptable for collection, visit www.wellington.vic.gov.au/hardwaste or phone hard waste contractor Dasma on 4124 3000.
