It’s Written on the Bin! A Snapshot Evaluation of Kerbside Bin Contamination from the Perspectives of Council-Based Waste Educators

Abstract As kerbside waste and recycling management practices evolve, integrating technology, community engagement, and policy enforcement are essential for achieving the transition from linear disposal to circular resource economies. Yet, where councils are the focus, research tends to determine what they should do rather than what they can do, arguably contributing to policy development that shifts waste and recycling management expectations onto local councils rather than producers, consumers and processors. In this study, responses to a poll of Australian council-based waste services staff ( n = 82) are analysed, providing a snapshot of current contamination management processes to assess the efficacy and trends in kerbside collections. Focusing on New South Wales – an Australian state currently transitioning its waste and recycling management practice – the poll revealed trends in contamination strategies, policy responses, and community engagement processes. It also showed an increase in the use of in-truck technology as a tool for identifying contamination events. Results indicated that contamination remains a persistent, increasing, and pernicious issue, with recycling bins exhibiting the highest contamination rates, exceeding 11% in many cases, and 60% of participants noting an increase over the past decade, despite public education efforts. Garden Organics and Garden/Food Organics bins generally have contamination levels below 5%. This study seeks to encourage discussion between policymakers, councils, and researchers on how to optimise kerbside waste and recycling collection systems and promote circular economy principles, thereby narrowing the gap between theory and effective practice.