Everybody needs good neighbours. We’re asking residents to help keep their streets clean and clear by thoughtfully disposing of old couches and cabinets instead of putting them out on the footpath.
Every week, people living in the City of Sydney's area book more than 1,600 piles of large household items for collection and put over 560 piles onto our streets illegally.
Like many workplaces right now, our waste and cleansing crews are being impacted by Covid isolations and illness.
This means some illegal dumps and booked pick-ups for large household items are taking longer than usual to be collected.
While metals, whitegoods, electronics and mattresses are recycled, all furniture and other household items we collect are sent to landfill.
Many of these items are in good condition or could be easily repaired.
We recommend you first go online to sell or giveaway your items. You can use digital tools and social networks to connect your stuff to those in the community who want it. Read our guide on 4 sustainable ways to get rid of your unwanted stuff.
“If you have items you no longer want or need, the best thing you can do for the environment is to try and find them a new home,” waste outreach officer Katherine O’Sullivan said.
“It’s not a good option to put items out on the street. It makes our neighbourhoods look messy, can block footpath access for people walking and attracts vermin. And it often can’t get recycled.
“Many people look for items they can refurbish or repair, so even if you think no one would want your old stuff, try posting them online for free.
“It’s easy to do and you may be surprised by how quickly your items go,” she said. Read these tips on how to sell your stuff online fast.
It’s illegal to put items out on the street without booking a collection and offenders could be fined up to $7500.
Instead, use our guide on the best ways to get rid of your unwanted stuff and help keep our streets looking beautiful.
Published 19 August 2022, updated 24 August 2022
