Albany's kerbside waste collection contractor is changing
The City of Albany would like to inform residents that from 1 July 2025, Veolia will commence as the contractor responsible for the collection of kerbside bins from households.
Please note:
- Your bin collection day and schedule will stay the same
- For kerbside collection enquiries from 1 July, please contact Veolia on 1300 390 984
For all other waste-related questions, please contact the City of Albany’s Waste Team on 68203000; [email protected]; or visit www.albany.wa.gov.au/waste.
We thank you for your cooperation during this transition.
Why are we changing contractor?
The previous waste contract comes to an end on 30 June 2025 and the City went to public tender to seek the best value and service for our community for a new contract. After a thorough selection process, the City appointed Veolia as the new contractor for the next 8 years.
The City acknowledges and appreciates the significant contribution Cleanaway has made to waste management in Albany in 20 years as bin collection and recycling processing contractor. Achievements included expansion and automation of the Material Recovery Facility; establishment of the tip shop at Hanrahan Road Waste Facility; and working with the City to implement one of WA’s first three-bin services with the addition of kerbside garden organics collections in 2004; introduction of the kerbside FOGO service in 2021; and working collaboratively to educate the community in correct waste sorting.
Why did the City choose Veolia as it's new waste contractor?
The City follows strict procurement and governance processes when considering large contracts and tenders. Veolia was selected through a competitive process that looked at a range of factors including cost, service provision, community education, and environmental and social responsibility.
Will there be job losses?
As would be expected with a significant change of this kind, there will be impacts on employment for some people. While there will be a slightly lower number of people employed locally, the overall number of job roles required would have been similar regardless of which contractor was appointed.
Will my bin schedule change?
No, your bin will still be collected on the same day and the same rotation (Recycling one week, General Waste and FOGO the next). If you aren’t sure, check your bin day here.
Will my rates be affected?
Yes. The costs of managing Albany’s waste – including collection, recycling and landfill – is continually increasing. The cost of the new contract is higher than the previous contract, which is to be expected as costs continue to increase for most key services and infrastructure. The successful contractor was deemed to provide the best value for the City and our ratepayers.
There will be an impact on rates, with a proposed residential waste charge for 2025/26 of $469, which is an increase of $43. Rural residential ratepayers will continue to receive complimentary waste passes to access rural transfer stations. All rateable properties are charged a minimum waste maintenance rate of $58, which is set aside for the establishment of new waste facilities and the rehabilitation of closed sites.
Will we keep the current 3-bin FOGO system?
Yes, the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) system will remain in place.
What’s changing with recycling?
The Albany Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will transition to a Bulk Up Facility (BUF). This means that our recycling will no longer be separated out into material types here in Albany. Instead, it will be taken to Veolia’s Bibra Lake MRF for sorting. This facility will enable a higher degree of efficiency and recovery of recyclable materials through improved technology. The City didn’t receive any tender submissions that proposed a continuation of the MRF in its current form. While the MRF has provided employment opportunities and local oversight of our recycling sorting, it would require significant and expensive upgrades to meet the current demands of the recycling market.
Does what I put in my recycling bin still matter?
Absolutely. It is still important to put the right things in your yellow-lid recycling bin so that we give our recyclables the best chance at a second life. That means, only these 5 things:
- Paper
- Cardboard
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastic containers and bottles
- Aluminium and steel cans
Will there be new waste collection trucks?
Yes. At first, Veolia will use trucks from their other council collection areas, but in coming months, a new fleet of trucks will make their way to our streets! These trucks will be equipped with advanced technology to detect contamination and observe waste collected from households. This will help the City to work with Veolia to assist residents to sort their waste correctly and use the bin system effectively.
What about business waste collection?
The City’s contract with Veolia covers waste from households, public bins, and City facilities only. The City does not provide a commercial waste service. Businesses should continue to arrange their own waste services through a commercial provider.
What about the bulk waste collection?
Cleanaway will complete the 2025 bulk green and hard waste collection. Any queries about this service should be directed to Cleanaway on 68017500.
What about the rural transfer stations?
From 1 July, the City will take over operation and supervision of the 5 rural transfer stations from Cleanaway. There may be small adjustments to opening hours at some sites, and these will be communicated directly to rural residential ratepayers. Waste passes will continue to be accepted at these sites.
Who do I contact if my bin hasn’t been collected?
From 1 July, please contact Veolia for any kerbside collection enquiries on 1300 390 984.