Ensuring all garbage is disposed of correctly in a strata-managed property is vital, and when overlooked, can quickly lead to escalating problems.
There are different rules and guidelines in place to ensure garbage is managed correctly, especially in Victoria. Not following these rules can lead to penalties, so it’s essential to know what they are, who needs to enforce and follow them, and what owners corporations (OCs) can do to ensure garbage doesn’t become an issue.
What are the Garbage Disposal Rules in Victoria for OC Management?
Garbage disposal in strata-managed properties in Victoria is governed by the Circular Economy (Waste Reduction and Recycling) Act 2021. The Act focuses on ensuring that garbage management across the state is consistent, standardised and incorporates effective recycling practices.
Here’s a brief overview of some of the garbage disposal regulations to know in Victoria:
- Waste separation: To support recycling efforts, households need to ensure their waste is separated correctly into co-mingle, glass recycling, green waste, and general waste.
- Waste collection: To ensure all waste is collected promptly, residents must place it in the designated areas, ready for collection on the appropriate day. Not all waste is collected on the same day, and it’s important to keep track of when each is collected. You can find your councils bin collection day on your local councils website or online tools like Bin Night Tonight. Emptied bins must be collected and stored as soon as possible.
- Common property rules: Residents are not allowed to dispose of waste or leave it in common shared property areas, including discarded furniture or other large items, without prior approval from the OC.
- Unauthorised garbage: Waste or items left in common areas can be removed by the OC upon issue of a disposal notice. Residents may also incur fines if garbage is consistently left without authorisation in common areas.
Who is Responsible for Ensuring Garbage Disposal Rules are Enforced in Strata Managed Properties?
In general, the OC manager or committee is responsible for ensuring that garbage disposal rules are followed and that everyone complies with legislated guidelines.
They’re also responsible for ensuring that all residents know the rules, their role in safely disposing of garbage, and updating everyone on any changes. This may also include taking appropriate action against residents who consistently fail to follow clearly stated garbage disposal guidelines.
Although OCs are responsible for enforcing rules and guidelines and keeping residents updated, everyone has a role in ensuring garbage is disposed of correctly:
- Strata Managers: Strata managers are responsible for communicating garbage disposal rules to residents and for communicating updates, including changes to collection schedules. They also lead in addressing complaints or issues related to garbage disposal.
- Residents: Residents must ensure they follow the guidelines and rules set for the property and report any violations, issues or complaints relating to garbage disposal to the strata manager promptly. They should also speak to the strata manager if they have any issues meeting these rules, so that the strata manager can assist them.
- Facilities/Building Managers: Some strata-managed properties may also have an on-site facilities or building manager who is responsible for managing garbage disposal and assisting with removal or garbage left without permission in common areas. They may help the strata manager with managing any issues or complaints.
Need More Information?
This is a general overview of garbage disposal rules in strata-managed properties in Victoria for 2025, but these rules may change over time. OCs and strata managers need to stay up to date on all applicable guidelines for their properties.
If you’re based in Victoria or New South Wales and are unsure or need guidance, AboveOCM can help. Our expert team is on hand to support you on all things OC management.
Contact us today to find out more.
