Co-working spaces across Canberra's Civic, Braddon, and Barton precincts face unique waste challenges. Here's how to set up bins that work for shared tenancies without the arguments.
Canberra has one of the highest co-working densities per capita in Australia. Between government contractors, consultancies, and tech startups, shared office spaces in Civic, Braddon, and Barton are always full. But the waste question rarely gets a good answer until someone complains.
Shared offices produce more waste per square metre than traditional offices. You have multiple businesses generating paper, packaging, food scraps, and coffee cups — but nobody owns the waste problem.
Most co-working operators end up with:
The fix is straightforward: right-size the bins, separate the streams, and build the cost into desk fees.
This handles typical office waste from small co-working spaces in Braddon or New Acton.
Mid-size spaces like those in Civic or Barton where multiple small firms share a floor.
Large hubs in the parliamentary triangle or Deakin where government contractors cluster.
Put the general waste and recycling bins next to each other at the main kitchen/breakout area. If recycling is across the room, contamination rates double. Label bins clearly with pictures, not just text.
Do not charge per business. Build the waste cost into the per-desk fee. At $78/week split across 20 desks, that is $3.90 per desk per week — invisible to tenants.
Canberra co-working spaces generate enormous volumes of coffee cups. Standard paper cups with plastic lining go in general waste, not recycling. If you want to reduce landfill, invest in a reusable cup program rather than trying to sort disposables.
Call 1300 191 626 or fill in our online form. Let us know how many desks you have and we will recommend a setup that keeps your space clean without overcomplicating things.
Bin Hire Australia
Waste Management Specialist at Bin Hire Australia. Helping Australian businesses find the right waste solutions.
Technically yes, but it is inefficient. Shared bins with costs built into desk fees are simpler and cheaper. We can set up a single account for the space operator.
Clear labelling with pictures, bin placement next to each other, and regular communication to tenants. We can provide signage and a contamination guide for your space.
Collections are weekdays only. For spaces open on weekends, we schedule collection on Monday morning so bins are empty for the week.
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