Residents of South Melbourne, part of the City of Melbourne municipality, follow a structured waste collection schedule that covers general waste, recycling, and food and garden organics (FOGO). Understanding these schedules is essential for maintaining a clean, environmentally friendly neighbourhood.
General Waste (Red or Dark Green Lid)
Collection Day: Tuesday
Frequency: Weekly
Accepted Items: Non-recyclable household waste including polystyrene, plastic bags, soft plastics, window glass, glassware, mirrors, Pyrex, crockery, and nappies (securely wrapped or bagged).
More details can be found in the City of Melbourne’s guide to waste.
Recycling (Yellow Lid)
Collection Day: Tuesday
Frequency: Fortnightly
Accepted Items: Paper, cardboard, hard plastics, clean glass bottles and jars, aluminium and steel cans.
For a detailed list of recyclable items, visit the City of Melbourne’s recycling information page.
Food and Garden Organics (FOGO) (Lime Green Lid)
Collection Day: Tuesday
Frequency: Weekly
Accepted Items: All food scraps (cooked and raw), garden trimmings, coffee grounds, paper towel, tissues, and compostable liners.
More information on FOGO collections can be found at the City of Melbourne’s organics page.
Public Holiday Adjustments
Waste collections in South Melbourne occur as scheduled on public holidays except for Good Friday and Christmas Day. If your collection falls on either of these holidays, it will be moved to the next day (typically Saturday). You can verify this on the City of Melbourne waste collection FAQ.
Additional Waste Services
Hard Waste Collection: South Melbourne residents are entitled to one free hard waste collection per financial year. Bookings are essential and can be made through the Citywide booking portal.
Waste Disposal Guide: Unsure how to dispose of a specific item? Refer to the A–Z Guide to Recycling and Waste Disposal.
Tips for Effective Waste Management
Place your bins on the kerb between 6 PM the night before and 6 AM on collection day, with the bin handle facing your property. Avoid blocking footpaths or driveways.
Ensure bin lids are closed to prevent litter and pest problems.
Avoid contamination by separating recyclables, organics, and general waste correctly. Contaminated bins may not be collected.
For up-to-date and address-specific information, you can use the City of Melbourne Interactive Waste Collection Map.
If you need assistance or further clarification, contact the City of Melbourne’s customer service team via their official website.
