Report Missed Bin Collection

Waste collections occur anytime between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM on the day of service. A service is not considered 'missed' until after 6:00 PM. You can place your bins out the night before collection days (i.e Tuesday night for Wednesday collections). Collections occur as scheduled on public holidays.

Waste collection vehicles may be delayed by road closures or traffic congestion, mechanical fault, etc. Do not rely on a set collection time for your address.

Reasons why your bin may have been missed include:

  • Bin was not presented before 6AM (or removed before 6PM)
  • Lid is open and bin is overfull
  • Too close to obstructions (parked cars, overhanging branches or other objects)
  • Bin weights more than 70kg
  • Bin has incorrect items placed inside

Please report any missed collection within 24 hours to Customer Service:

To report a missed collection phone Customer Service: by phone 1300 69 22 47 within 24 hours of the missed service.

Ensure bin/s are:

Additional collection of residential waste and recycling bins can be ordered by completing the extra bin collection request form.  Please note a fee of $28.00 applies per service.

View Council's bin collections and service page for further information, or download the how to ensure your bin gets collected flyer. ( PDF, 1.26 MB )

Last Updated: 30 June 2026

Latest News > All News

Council invests $8.9M in wastewater upgrades

Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential for public health, environmental protection and the continued delivery of services to the Cairns community....

Council Projects & Services
30 July 2026

Cairns delivers best value for ratepayers

New benchmarking data has confirmed Cairns’ residents continue to receive some of the most competitively priced rates and utility charges...

Business & Economy
29 July 2026

King tides expected in Cairns this week

King tides are expected to affect Cairns this week, starting from Tuesday 28 July to Thursday 30 July....

General Updates
28 July 2026