Environmental & Waste

    Sustainable communities:
    Environmental and waste initiatives

    East Arnhem Regional Council provides environmental and waste services to the nine communities, aiming to build healthier, cleaner communities and minimise environmental impacts on the land.

    Waste data and facts in our communities

    Did you know?

    • Recycling Initiative by the Council

    Council initiated Recycling in 2015. A total of 13,3 Tonnes of waste was transported by barge to be recycled including Plastic, Waste Oil, Car Batteries and IT/TV waste.


    • Population Growth in East Arnhem Communities

    The population in East Arnhem communities is increasing faster than the Australian average. Between 2009 and 2011, the number of residents rose from 6,307 to 7,326. It is estimated to have reached around 8,500 residents in 2016. This represents a 34% increase in just 10 years, compared to the national average of 16% over the same period. As most of our communities are located on islands, this growth emphasises the importance of waste avoidance and recycling to keep our environment sustainable for the future.


    • Minimising Landfill Expansion

    Currently, the combined area of all landfills in East Arnhem communities is 215,641 m2 and is expanding. To reduce landfill expansion, we need to play our part by producing less waste, recycling as much as possible, and responsibly disposing of waste at the landfills according to the provided signs.


    • Wheelie Bin Collection

    The Council provides a total of 2,130 wheelie bins twice a week. Please ensure that you only put your bins out on the scheduled rubbish days and keep them in good condition.

    More information

    Get Involved!

    If you wish to participate, volunteer, or suggest initiatives to improve waste services provided by East Arnhem Regional Council to its communities, please contact us at:
    wasteservices@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au

    Report a problem

    Council waste facilities

    As part of our commitment to responsible waste management, we operate several Landfill and Resource Recovery Facilities (LRRF) in communities where viable alternatives are unavailable. These facilities play a crucial role in waste disposal and resource recovery.


    List of Currently Operated LRRFs:


    LRRF - Galiwinku

    LRRF - Milingimbi

    LRRF - Ramingining

    LRRF - Gapuwiyak

    LRRF - Umbakumba (accepting only dry waste)

    LRRF - Milyakburra

    • Reporting Commercial Waste Loads

      For transparency and compliance, all commercial waste loads taken to the listed LRRFs must be reported. For additional information, please contact us at: wasteservices@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au.

    • Resource Recovery and Best Practices

      We prioritise resource recovery whenever it is economically viable and aligns with best practices at all our LRRF sites. It helps us minimise waste and make the most of available resources.

    • Commercial Landfill Facilities in Certain Communities:

      In communities where a commercial Landfill Facility is accessible and viable for both Council and the community, we utilise these facilities while adhering to their terms and conditions of use. Presently, these communities include Yirrkala, Gunyangara, and Angurugu.

    • Scavenging at Landfill Sites

      To ensure safety and maintain site integrity, scavenging is strictly prohibited at all Council's landfill facilities. This applies to everyone, including Council staff, contractors, and the general public, unless explicitly authorised to do so. Scavenging includes salvaging, receiving, or removing any item or material already accepted at the landfill site for disposal or recovery.

    Waste collection and disposal

    • Regular Collection Days and Times

      Our service includes emptying authorised 240L wheelie bins at each eligible property. We perform collections twice a week on specific days and times, ensuring a smooth waste disposal process.

    • Number of Wheelie Bins Allowed

      For residential properties, you are allowed a maximum of 2 wheelie bins:


      If your property has 5 or fewer occupants, you can have 1 wheelie bin.

      For properties with more than 5 occupants, you can have 2 wheelie bins.

      Additional Bins for Commercial Properties:


      Commercial properties have the option to request additional bins. However, please note that there is an extra fee for each additional bin.

    • Service for Special Events

      We offer our Roadside Collection Service for 'one-off events', making it convenient to manage waste during these occasions.

    • Finding Your Collection Day

      For your convenience, you can easily find your specific bin collection day through the Wheelie Bin Collection Schedules available for EARC Communities by clicking here.

    How to dispose your waste

    Things that GO in your Purple Bin:

    General household items or general commercial waste only.

    Things that CANNOT GO in your Purple Bin:

    Download the table

    • Hard Waste Collection

      Hard Waste refers to household items that cannot be accommodated in 240L Wheelie Bins due to their size, weight, or chemical properties. Please note that Unacceptable Waste is not included in this category.

    • Roadside Collection Service for Residential Properties

      If you reside in a residential property, you are eligible for up to twelve Hard Waste Collections per year.

    • Pre-Cyclone Season Hard Waste Clean Up

      Once a year, typically in November, Council organises a Pre-Cyclone Season Hard Waste Clean Up in each community. This special event aims to ensure the removal of any Hard Waste that may pose a hazard during cyclone conditions. Council will provide at least one week's notice before the cleanup takes place.

    • Unacceptable Waste:

      Certain types of waste are not accepted by the Council for collection. To learn more about what is considered Unacceptable Waste, please follow the relevant links below:


      Unacceptable Waste for Roadside Collections

      Unacceptable Waste at Council Facilities 


    Wheelie bin and car removal application forms

    We offer convenient forms to help you apply for various waste collection services and address specific needs. Access all our forms by clicking here.


    • New Kerbside Collection Service Application: If you need to apply for a new kerbside collection service for a property that is not currently being serviced, or if you have a new property that requires waste collection, please fill out the specific form in our forms section.

    • Wheelie Bin Replacement Application: In the unfortunate event of a lost, stolen, or damaged wheelie bin, we are here to assist you. To request a replacement, please fill out the specific form in our forms section.

    • Car Body Removal Application: If you have an old damaged vehicle on your property that needs to be removed, please complete the application form for car body removal in our forms section.


    Once you have completed the relevant form, kindly email it to us at:         wasteservices@eastarnhem.nt.gov.au.


    If you require any additional informa    tion or have any questions, feel free to contact us at:
    (08) 8986 8986.

    Waste management facility induction

    Click the location you would like to take the EARC Waste Management Facility Induction for Commercial Users. Each of them are 10 minute inductions to capture your details and inform you on the requirements of the site you are about to visit.

    Please have your personal & company details ready, you will need them to complete the form at the end of the induction. Click the area you would like to get inducted to get started.

    Waste fees and charges

    Council recovers the cost of providing waste management services by charging:

    • Annual Refuse Rates to each property
    • A price per bin per collection to commercial properties with additional bins
    • Commercial landfill access fees (not applicable to households/ residents)


    Click here to access current Commercial Landfill Dumping Fees applicable to all landfill sites operated by EARC (Galiwinku, Milingimbi, Ramingining, Gapuwiyak, Umbakumba and Milyakburra).


    Reminder: All commercial users of Councils waste facilities must complete an online induction prior to entering the site.

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