C4 Household rubbish disposal
Relates to Healthy Living Practices
- removing waste water safely
- reducing the negative effects of animals, insects and vermin
Most communities have a system of collecting rubbish from households and disposing of it at a common point. This may range from an automated truck and wheelie bins through to collection of rubbish by a local team using a utility vehicle. Rubbish tips are usually subject to state/territory licensing regulations, although in some very small communities the tip could be a basic hole in the ground that is unfenced. Communities near regional centres may have recycling systems; other communities sort food scraps that will easily rot or decompose from other rubbish; and some communities have community wide composting programs.
When undertaking housing projects it is important to find out what rubbish collection systems are available in the community and to provide bins and bin storage areas that are suited to that system.
Design and specification
For new housing projects, ensure that:
- every new house is provided with at least one large outdoor bin, and more bins are provided if the community has sorting, recycling or composting programs
- there is an area where the bin can be stored that is accessible from the kitchen and can be easily accessed for emptying
- a post or chain or other mechanism is provided to secure the bin in an upright position and prevent it being knocked over by dogs and other animals
- for combined multiple dwellings, there is a designated garbage bin storage area.
Quality control
During housing construction and before making the final payment, check that:
- bins are provided and secured.
Maintenance
As part of cyclical maintenance:
- empty bins at least once a week, and maybe more often
- replace broken or missing bins
- consider developing waste minimisation programs, such as recycling or composting.
| Rubbish disposal systems | Percentage of houses | Total houses surveyed | Change since 2003*> |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of rubbish disposal system | |||
| Kitchen bin, regular collection | 46% | 3,099 | < |
| Kitchen bin, no regular collection | 3% | 3,099 | |
| No kitchen bin, regular collection | 45% | 3,099 | |
| No kitchen bin, no regular collection | 6% | 3,099 |
* See ‘Changes in the conditions of houses’ for an explanation of the symbols used in this column.