Prohibited items in kerbside waste bins

Under the South Australian Environment Protection Authority (SA EPA) Waste to Landfill Bans, certain items are not permitted in kerbside waste bins. These items are banned from landfill due to their environmental or health risks, they are recyclable or because they require alternative disposal methods.

To help keep our community safe and sustainable, please ensure that these items are disposed of responsibly using the appropriate disposal options listed below.

Prohibited items

Electronic waste (e-waste) & whitegoods

  • Examples:
    e-waste: TVs, computers, printers, mobile phones and other electronic devices whitegoods: fridges, freezers, washing machines, ovens, stoves, air conditioners and other large domestic appliances.
  • Why? E-waste contains materials like lead and mercury that can harm the environment if not disposed of properly. Many components in e-waste and whitegoods can be recycled through recycling programs.
  • Disposal options

Household chemical/hazardous waste

  • Examples: batteries, chemicals, cleaning fluids, oil, paint, pesticides, solvents and wastewater.
  • Why? Hazardous materials can be flammable, toxic, and harmful to the environment.
  • Disposal options

Building and construction waste

  • Examples: bricks, tiles, concrete, plasterboard and treated timber.
  • Why? These materials are heavy, non-degradable, and can damage landfill infrastructure. They can be recovered and reused via specialised reuse programs.
  • Disposal options

Gas Cylinders and fire extinguishers

  • Examples: LPG cylinders, BBQ gas bottles, and fire extinguishers.
  • Why? These items are flammable and can explode when compressed or exposed to heat.
  • Disposal options

Asbestos-containing materials

  • Examples: asbestos insulation, cement sheets, and roofing materials.
  • Why? Asbestos poses serious health risks when fibres are inhaled. Only licensed professionals should remove and dispose of asbestos materials.
  • Disposal options

Medical and sharps waste

  • Examples: syringes, needles, and other medical waste.
  • Why? These items can cause injury and spread infection if handled incorrectly.
    Note: Household medical items such as band-aids, bandages, contact lens and cotton buds can be placed in the household waste bin.
  • Disposal options

Tyres

  • Examples: car, truck, and bicycle tyres.
  • Why? Tyres are difficult to compact in landfill, and can create fire hazards, releasing smoke, oil and toxic contaminants in the air, soil and water.
  • Disposal options

Mattresses and large furniture items

  • Examples: mattresses, sofas, armchairs, cupboards, tables.
  • Why? These bulky items don’t compact easily and take up considerable landfill space.
  • Disposal options

Recyclable plastic packaging: PET, HDPE, PP, LDPE, PVS, PS

  • Examples: bottles for drinks, milk, juice, detergents, and other rigid plastic container
  • Why? These bulky items don’t compact easily and take up considerable landfill space.
  • Disposal options

Plant material (when a kerbside organics collection is offered by council)

  • Examples: garden waste, clippings, branches.
  • Why? Organic material in landfill generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas. When composted, it helps create valuable soil products with minimal methane production.
  • Disposal options

By keeping these items out of kerbside bins, you’re helping reduce health risks, prevent environmental harm, and support sustainable waste management practices across our community.

For more information:

Landfill bans SA:  www.epa.sa.gov.au/page/view_by_id/4279

Back to top