What Hobart cleaning and facilities managers should plan for

If your business is operating in Hobart you will normally work within the City of Hobart waste framework. That affects the bins you can rely on, where they must be stored, and what counts as acceptable material for council services. Use this guide to match cleaning schedules and supplier briefs to council rules and to know when you must arrange private collections or approvals.

Typical bin entitlements and kerbside rules

Most Hobart businesses are entitled to a 240 litre rubbish bin collected weekly and a 240 litre recycling bin collected fortnightly. Bins must be kept on the business property rather than left on the street. On collection day put bins kerbside before 5.30 am and make sure they are returned to the premises within 24 hours of collection. Where waste volumes exceed the standard allocation you will need to arrange private collections or additional services.

Note that collection days, fees and exact service arrangements can change. Confirm current collection days and any charges with the City of Hobart when you set up or review services.

Food organics and garden organics (FOGO) for businesses

All City of Hobart businesses are eligible to receive a FOGO service for food and garden organics. A bright green lidded FOGO bin may accept food scraps, plate scrapings, plant material, paper towel and commercially compostable packaging in line with the council guidelines. Opting in generally requires action by the property owner, ratepayer or an authorised representative and there are different fees for fortnightly and weekly collection options.

Implementing a FOGO stream is the simplest way to reduce landfill from kitchens and break rooms. Before adding a FOGO bin check who on the tenancy can submit the opt-in form and confirm the applicable fee for the chosen collection frequency.

Kemp Street compactors and high-density CBD services

Businesses located in eligible blocks of the CBD can apply to use the Kemp Street underground waste and recycling compactors. Access is by unique swipe card and the facilities are not for public use. The compactors come with an annual allocation per user; extra material above the allocation is charged at a per kilogram rate.

Follow the compactors' operating steps: present your access card, open the chute, place bags or boxed recycling inside, close the lid and wait for the weigh and release cycle. Do not overfill chutes or leave waste beside the unit. Cardboard should be flattened and touching the base plate. Under no circumstances may hazardous wastes or liquid wastes such as grease and oils be deposited in the compactors.

Check whether your business address is inside the eligible area and apply for access if appropriate. There are fines for unauthorised dumping.

Handling contaminated, hazardous and controlled wastes

Some materials fall into the regulated category of controlled waste because of toxicity, reactivity, persistence or bio-accumulative risk. Controlled waste requires proper classification, documentation and specific handling and disposal routes. If you handle items that could be controlled waste, it is your responsibility as producer, agent or transporter to describe the material correctly and to use the correct waste code.

For certain materials such as level 2 contaminated soil, disposal at McRobies Gully Waste Management Centre generally requires prior approval from the Environment Protection Authority. Interstate movements of controlled wastes also require particular approvals. Before arranging removal of suspect materials check classification, obtain any necessary EPA approvals and ensure your contractor has the right authorisations.

Practical workplace steps to improve recycling and reduce contamination

Set simple collection points for batteries, small e-waste, light globes and pens and label them clearly. Prioritise diverting food waste into FOGO. Review the placement and signage on landfill, recycling and organics bins to reduce contamination. Small changes in staff training and a recycling champion can reduce the need for special pickups and lower whole-of-life disposal costs.

If you need to dispose of small quantities of hard-to-recycle items for education or examples, the recycling unit at the Hobart Council Centre displays solutions for domestic quantities. Commercial disposal for larger volumes should be arranged through appropriate business collection services.

Procurement and contracting expectations when engaging cleaning services

If you tender or contract cleaning services for work with the City of Hobart, the council’s procurement code sets expectations of ethical behaviour. Service providers should declare conflicts of interest, act without favour or prejudice, and ensure value for money including consideration of whole-of-life costs and local supplier capability. Avoiding collusion, secret commissions or improper influence is part of contract compliance.

When drafting a tender or asking for quotes, be clear about waste streams you expect the contractor to manage, any requirements for controlled waste handling and who will be responsible for obtaining environmental approvals where needed.

Checks to make before you engage or change arrangements

  • Confirm your standard bin allocation for waste and recycling and whether volumes require private collection.
  • If you want FOGO, confirm who must opt in at the property and the fee for the selected frequency.
  • Check if your address is eligible for Kemp Street compactor access before applying for a swipe card.
  • Identify any materials that might be controlled or hazardous and contact the EPA for approvals and correct waste codes if needed.
  • When contracting, ensure suppliers understand council procurement principles and have capacity to meet waste handling requirements.

Adopting these checks into your cleaning schedule and supplier briefs will reduce compliance risk and help control ongoing disposal costs. Small operational changes make it easier to meet Hobart City expectations and to reduce waste sent to landfill.