Notice of change in policy for Exceptional Circumstance Bin applications
The Kerbside Waste Collection Policy (September 2026) comes into effect on 2 October 2026. From this date, Council will no longer accept new Exceptional Circumstance Bin applications for the categories of ‘Large Families’ or ‘Families with children in Nappies’.
Council adopted the Kerbside Waste Collection Policy (2026) at its 21 September 2026 Ordinary Council Meeting. You can read about the new policy and Council's decision in the meeting minutes and agenda report.
Residents who require an extra bin can purchase an additional annual bin service through the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority website. Fees and charges apply.
What is an Exceptional Circumstances Waste Service?
An Exceptional Circumstances Waste Service provides an additional 140-litre general waste bin, collected fortnightly, for eligible households.
From 2 October 2026, the service is only available under the Special Medical Needs category for new applicants.
Large Family and Nappies services are no longer available to new applicants.
Changes from 2 October 2026
Council has changed the Exceptional Circumstances Waste Service under the new Kerbside Waste Collection Policy (September 2026).
The changes apply from Friday 2 October 2026.
There are different arrangements for:
- Large Families and Families with children in nappies
- Special Medical Needs
Please read the information below to see which arrangements apply to you.
Large Families and Families with children in nappies
New applications
From Friday 2 October 2026, Council will no longer accept new applications for an Exceptional Circumstances Bin under the:
- Large Family category
- Families with children in Nappies category
If you need an additional waste collection service, you can arrange an additional bin service directly through the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA).
Fees apply.
Already have an approved service?
If you were approved for a Large Family or Nappies Exceptional Circumstances service before 1 October 2026, you can continue to renew your service for a limited time, and FRWA will be in touch to arrange your renewal.
The annual collection fee will increase over the following years:
Financial year | Annual collection fee |
|---|---|
2026/27 | No charge |
2027/28 | $55 |
2028/29 | $110 |
From 1 July 2029 | Service ends |
The service will no longer be available from 1 July 2029.
These arrangements only apply to customers who were approved for a Large Family or Nappies service before 1 October 2026.
Special Medical Needs
A Special Medical Needs service may be available where:
- a person living at the property has a medical condition that produces additional household waste; and
- the additional waste is generated by the resident's medical needs.
The service is for household waste only.
It does not apply to medical waste generated by a business operating from a residential property, such as home massage, podiatry or similar businesses.
People who have a Special Medical Need can still apply for an Exceptional Circumstances Waste Service.
The service is available where a resident's medical condition results in additional household waste, such as incontinence products.
Existing approved customers
If you already have an approved Special Medical Needs service, you can continue to receive the service at no charge, provided you continue to meet the eligibility requirements and apply annually.
New applicants
New applicants can still apply for a Special Medical Needs Exceptional Circumstances Waste Service.
New applicants will be required to pay the cost of the additional bin.
Lost or damaged bins
If your Exceptional Circumstances Bin is lost or damaged and needs to be replaced, you will be charged the current FRWA bin replacement fee.
Renewing an existing Exceptional Circumstances service
If you already have an approved Exceptional Circumstances service, you will need to follow the renewal requirements provided by the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA).
Renewal requirements may differ depending on the type of service you receive.
FRWA manages the collection and renewal administration of Exceptional Circumstances bin services.
For information about renewing your service, visit the FRWA Exceptional Circumstances Bin Renewal page.
Need an additional bin?
If you need an additional waste collection service and you do not qualify for an Exceptional Circumstances service, you can purchase an additional annual bin service through FRWA.
Fees and charges apply.
More information
If you are unsure which option applies to you, please contact Alexandrina Council Customer Service on 8555 7000.
For information about bin collections, additional bin services or Exceptional Circumstances bin renewals, you can also contact the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA).