Clothing recycling bin permit

If you'd like to place a clothing recycling bin in the City of Whittlesea, you must apply for a permit and comply with our guidelines.

Guidelines

Only one bin provider can operate from each location and must pay a permit fee per bin.

We only allow operators to place bins on private land, not council land, after they have:

  • obtained a permit
  • have written approval from the private landowner
  • met the guidelines.

All clothing recycling bins must be clearly marked with the company name and to also differentiate charity donation bins from commercial operators. This helps the public to make informed choices when making donations.

Clothing recycling bins are intended for clothes only.

Residents should dispose of rubbish or unwanted household items properly through their free hard waste collections or weekly rubbish collection.

Download our guidelines

Clothing recycling bin guidelines

Eligibility criteria

1. Legal Entity Status: The applicant must be a legally registered entity, such as a corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship.

2. Compliance with Zoning Regulations: The proposed location for the clothing recycling bins must comply with all relevant zoning regulations and land-use restrictions set forth by the City of Whittlesea.

3. Proof of Ownership or Authorisation: The applicant must provide documentation demonstrating ownership of or authorization to use the property where the clothing recycling bins will be placed. This may include a lease agreement, written consent from the property owner, or other relevant documentation.

4. Insurance Coverage: The applicant must maintain public liability insurance with a minimum coverage amount of $20,000,000 for the duration of the permit period. Proof of insurance coverage must be provided with the permit application.

5. Operational Plan: The applicant must submit a detailed operational plan outlining how the clothing recycling bins will be maintained, including procedures for emptying, cleaning, and servicing the bins on a daily basis.

6. Identification and Marking: All clothing recycling bins must be clearly marked with the commercial operator's name, address, and contact number, as well as any details related to any associated charity.

7. Security Measures: The applicant must install security cameras and appropriate lighting at the proposed location, subject to obtaining consent from the landowner. The cameras and lighting must be positioned to provide adequate surveillance coverage and evidence of any illegal dumping or vandalism.

8. Responsibility for Maintenance: The applicant is responsible for ensuring that the area surrounding the clothing recycling bins remains clean and free of dumped rubbish within a 5-meter radius. Any litter or debris must be promptly removed and disposed of properly.

9. Compliance with Permit Conditions: The applicant must agree to comply with all conditions outlined in the clothing bin permit, as well as any additional regulations or ordinances set forth by the City of Whittlesea.

10. Review and Reporting: The applicant must review available camera footage from the security cameras to identify and report any instances of litter dumping or other violations occurring around the clothing bins.

11. Potential Penalties for Non-Compliance: The applicant must acknowledge that any breach of permit conditions or other relevant legislation may result in penalties, including impoundment of the clothing recycling bins and/or issuance of fines.

Apply for permit

Apply online

Step 1.Gather your documentation

You'll need to submit the following with your permit application:

  • proof of public liability insurance with a minimum indemnity of $20,000,000
  • a letter of permission or agreement from the land owner to place the clothing bins, security cameras and lighting
  • a plan showing proposed location of bins, cameras, lighting, buildings, boundaries of all car spaces, access lanes and driveways and the direction in which vehicles travel.

Step 2.Complete the online application form

Apply for clothing bin permit online

You'll need to pay the permit fee of $228.45 (per clothing bin). 

Step 3.Wait to receive your permit before you put your clothing bin out

Allow 10 working days for processing. You need to have your permit before you put your clothing bin out.

Please note that we may refuse any application that fails to comply with the Clothing Bin Recycling Guidelines.