Since 1 July 2016, Alexandrina Council has provided a fortnightly kerbside collection service for general waste, recyclables and green organics (FOGO). This system was introduced to promote more sustainable waste practices, reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill, and make better use of valuable resources.
The move to fortnightly collection was guided by extensive research and community consultation conducted by the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority (FRWA) between 2012 and 2014. This work included multiple bin audits across the region, public feedback sessions, and a successful pilot program in Hayborough from October 2013 and February 2014. The results confirmed that a fortnightly system would be both environmentally responsible and cost effective for the community.
This service model helps reduce waste, increase recycling and protect our beautiful environment for future generations.
Kerbside Waste Collection Policy
The Kerbside Waste Collection Policy (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’. Existing customers will be able to continue to renew their application for 2027/28 and 2028/29, with discounted annual collection fees applicable.
The Exceptional Circumstances Bin provision for ‘Large Families’ or ‘Families with children in Nappies’ for those renewing under this criteria will completely cease from 1 July 2029.
The Exceptional Circumstances Bin service will continue for residents with Special Medical Needs, noting that any new applicants approved under this category will be required to pay for the cost of the additional bin as per FRWA’s fees and charges.
Existing customers who already receive the Exceptional Circumstances Bin for Special Medical Needs will continue as normal, noting that customers will be required to renew their application each year.
Residents who require an extra bin can purchase an annual additional bin service through the FRWA website. Fees and charges apply.
To find out more, visit the Exceptional Circumstances Bins webpage.
Urban Properties within townships generally receive kerbside collection directly from the front of their residence. However, due to access limitations on some rural roads, many rural properties are required to use designed bin banks. These shared collection points ensure that waste services remain reliable and accessible across the region, even in areas where collection vehicles cannot safely or practically operate.
Household Waste and Recycling FAQ's
Residents are required to purchase their own bins.
Bins can be purchased from the Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority's Waste and Recycling Depots:
Goolwa Waste and Recycling Depot
1226 Port Elliot Road, Goolwa
Phone: 8555 2467 (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4pm) or (08) 8555 7415 (weekends only)
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 3.30 pm
(Closed most public holidays)
Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot
Forrest Road, Strathalbyn
Phone: (08) 8555 2467 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4 pm) or 0437 627 594 (Sun)
Opening Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday 8 am - 4 pm
(Closed most public holidays)
New lids, wheels and pins can be purchased from Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority's Waste and Recycling Depots:
Goolwa Waste and Recycling Depot
1226 Port Elliot Road, Goolwa
Phone: 8555 2467 (Monday to Friday 8.30am - 4pm) or (08) 8555 7415 (weekends only)
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9 am - 3.30 pm
(Closed most public holidays)
Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot
Forrest Road, Strathalbyn
Phone: (08) 8555 2467 (Monday to Friday 8.30 am - 4 pm) or 0437 627 594 (Sun)
Opening Hours:
Tuesday and Thursday 9 am - 4 pm
Sunday 8 am - 4 pm
(Closed most public holidays)
Alexandrina Council and Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority do not offer a hard rubbish waste collection service.
Council has found, that while hard rubbish collections provide the opportunity for residents to dispose of rubbish built up over time, they are costly and high-risk exercises for Councils.
Where-ever possible, Council and Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority encourage reuse and recycling of useful household items and recycling of recyclable materials.
For items that may be in good condition and may still hold value, you can contact Salvage and Save in Goolwa. They offer a collection service for unwanted goods that can be resold or recycled. Contact Salvage and Save on 8555 3200.
These initiatives ensure that the maximum amount of waste is recycled and we can reduce the amount to waste being sent to landfill.
For items that are broken and no longer useable, you will need to arrange proper disposal at either the Goolwa Waste and Recycling Depot or Strathalbyn Waste and Recycling Depot. Fees and charges apply. Please refer to Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority website for further details.
Alexandrina Council provides all residents with a 50% subsidy on the purchase of kitchen caddies and rolls of compostable liner bags.
To purchase a Kitchen Caddy or Compostable Liner Bags, please visit our Goolwa or Strathalbyn Office.
Download the My Local Services app on your smartphone for up-to-date Council information, events and bin collection reminders. It's free, easy to use, and local to your council.
A Collections are as usual on public holidays besides for Christmas Day which are collected one day after.
FRWA advises of any disruptions to the collection schedule on latest news on their website.
Alexandrina Council in conjunction with Fleurieu Regional Waste Authority have supported another great initiative by Zero Waste SA called Food-Wise.
If you want to find out more about reducing food wastage in your home and find great recipes, please click on the link below for full details.