Apartment buildings and strata complexes across Wollongong need commercial waste management. Here is how body corporates can set up bins that work for residents and budgets.
Wollongong's apartment stock is growing fast. New towers along the foreshore, medium-density developments in the suburbs, and existing strata complexes all need commercial waste collection — because council residential services do not cover multi-unit buildings above a certain size.
If your strata complex has more than 6 units and council has stopped collecting, or if you are unhappy with your current waste contractor's pricing, this guide explains your options.
In the Wollongong LGA, council provides residential waste collection for houses and small unit blocks (typically up to 6 units). Larger buildings must arrange private collection. This means:
A typical household generates 10-15kg of waste per week. For apartment buildings:
| Building size | General waste | Recycling | Suggested collection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-12 units | 660L | 660L | Weekly each |
| 12-30 units | 1100L | 1100L | Weekly or 2x weekly |
| 30-60 units | 2x 1100L | 2x 1100L | 2x weekly |
| 60+ units | Multiple 1100L | Multiple 1100L | 3x weekly or daily |
For a 20-unit building needing a 1100L general waste bin and 1100L recycling bin collected weekly, total cost is approximately $81/week exc GST. Split across 20 units, that is roughly $4/unit/week — far less than any individual household service.
Contamination: Residents put the wrong items in recycling bins. Solution: clear signage on bin lids and nearby walls showing what goes where.
Overflow: Bins full before collection day. Solution: increase collection frequency or add another bin. Often cheaper to add a bin than deal with overflow complaints and vermin.
Access issues: Truck cannot reach bin room. Solution: ensure minimum 3m clearance for the collection vehicle, and position bins within 5m of the access point.
Bulk waste: Residents dumping mattresses, furniture, and e-waste next to bins. Solution: this requires separate council hard waste bookings — it is not part of commercial bin service.
The body corporate (owners corporation) is responsible for:
The strata manager or body corporate committee can call 1300 191 626 to arrange a site assessment. We will check bin room access, recommend bin sizes based on unit count, and provide a quote for the committee's approval. Setup typically takes 1-2 weeks from approval.
BHA Team
Waste Management Specialist at Bin Hire Australia. Helping Australian businesses find the right waste solutions.
The body corporate arranges and pays for commercial waste as part of the building's strata levies. Individual unit owners contribute through their quarterly levies.
We provide formal quotes suitable for committee meetings. The committee approves the expenditure and we proceed with setup.
Contaminated recycling loads may be charged as general waste. We recommend clear signage and resident education. We can provide bin stickers showing correct disposal.
More resources to help you choose the right bins, schedules, and services.
How Australian mechanic workshops and auto repair shops manage general waste collection. Bin sizes, costs, pickup schedules, and what you can and can't put in a commercial wheelie bin.
How Canberra apartment complexes, strata buildings, and body corporates can set up cost-effective commercial waste collection across the ACT.
Wollongong and Illawarra businesses — from steelworks suppliers in Port Kembla to cafes on Crown Street — need commercial bin hire that actually turns up. Here is how to get the right setup without overpaying.
View pricing and availability for these cities.
