Problem waste

Sign up for RecycleSmart

You can receive free regular collection and recycling of some problem waste items as part of the RecycleSmart program. All Maitland residents can dispose of two (2) bags of basic items on a regular basis.

Eligible items

Basic items that can be collected include:

• Textiles
• E-waste
• Small household items.

You can also arrange for larger items such as cardboard boxes and electronics to be collected for a small fee.

Find out all the items included in the program via the RecycleSmart website.

Types of problem waste

Agricultural and vet product containers

• Empty containers of agricultural and vet products can be disposed of on DrumMuster drop off dates. Containers must carry the DrumMuster logo.

Asbestos

• A licenced asbestos professional is required to remove more than 10 square metres (100kg) of asbestos
• All asbestos deliveries to the waste facility must be booked 24 hours in advance by calling 4934 1888
• Asbestos loads are only accepted on Wednesdays and Fridays
• Asbestos loads exceeding 10 square metres (100kg), must be registered with NSW EPA.

Follow the Asbestos Guidelines for help with removal and disposal.

Batteries and light globes

• Household batteries and light globes can be diposed of using our Bulky Waste Service
• Batteries and fluoro lights can also be disposed of on Chemical CleanOut dates
• Car batteries can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the Maitland Resource Recovery Facility.

Chemicals and paints

• Chemicals such as solvents and household cleaners, ammonia based cleaners and hobby and pool chemicals can be disposed of on Chemical CleanOut dates (20kg or less)
• Paint can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the Maitland Resource Recovery Facility.

E-waste

• E-waste can be disposed of using our Bulky Waste Service. This includes:
  • televisions
  • computers, laptops and tablets
  • mobile phones and accessories (also at Council’s Administration Building)
  • printers
  • CDs and DVDs
  • stereos, video and DVD players
  • power tools
  • portable handheld appliances, such as hand held vaccums
  • ceiling fans.

Gas bottles and fire extinguishers

• Gas bottles and cylinders can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility
• Fire extinguishers can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility
• Gas bottles and fire extinguishers can also be disposed of on Chemical CleanOut dates
• Gas bottles and cylinders can also be exchanged at your local service station.

Mattresses

• Mattresses can be disposed of using our Bulky Waste Service.
• Mattresses can also be disposed of for free on Mattress Muster drop off dates.

Needles, syringes and sharps

• Sharps, needles and syringes can be disposed of at bins at Maitland Hospital (24/7), Your Discount Chemist at East Maitland, and Rutherford Community Centre.

Oils

• Motor oil can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility.
• Other oils such as cooking, hydraulic, and brake fluid can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility.
• Motor oil and fuel can also be disposed of on Chemical CleanOut dates (20kg or less).

Polystyrene

• Polystrene can be disposed of at the waste facility.

Printer cartridges

• Printer cartridges can be disposed of at Council’s Administration Building.

Smoke detectors

• Smoke detectors can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility.
• Smoke detectors can also be disposed of on Chemical CleanOut dates.

X-rays

• X-rays can be disposed of at the Community Recycling Centre located at the waste facility

Problem waste drop off events

Mattress Muster

Each household can dispose of up to two (2) mattresses per financial year using our Bulky Waste Service, or at our Mattress Muster events.

A mattress and a base together count as one (1) item, but does not include timber frames.

Upcoming events

• Friday 23 June & Saturday 24 June 2023
  9.00am to 1.00pm, Maitland Showground (Enter via Louth Park Road)

Please note: From 1 July 2023, Mattress Muster events will be phased out and replaced with our new Bulky Waste Service where you can dispose of mattresses both by booking a kerbside collection or by taking them to the Waste Facility.

Chemical CleanOut

You can dispose of unwanted chemicals free of charge at Chemical CleanOut events, run in association with NSW EPA.

The collection accepts items such as:

• Garden and pool chemicals
• Household cleaners
• Poisons
• Paint
• Motor oils and fuels
• Gas bottles and fire extinguishers
• Fluoro lights
• Smoke detectors

Please note: A maximum limit of 20 litres or 20 kgs of a single item.

Upcoming events

• Sunday 18 June 2023
  9.00am to 3.30pm, Cleanaway Refinery, 41 Kyle Street, Rutherford

DrumMuster

You can dispose of unwanted empty agricultural and veterinary products and containers.

Containers that are eligible will carry the DrumMuster logo.