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Cardwell bin day & collection schedule

Cassowary Coast · QLD 4849

Cardwell waste collection overview

Cardwell is a QLD suburb in postcode 4849, served by Cassowary Coast for kerbside waste, recycling and organics collection.

The suburb sits roughly 175km S of Cairns.

Locals know it for the Cardwell Jetty and the Girringun National Park gateway.

This page summarises the bin schedule, recycling rules and council details that apply to Cardwell. For the live schedule for your specific address, enter it on the home page.

Key facts

  • Council: Cassowary Coast
  • Postcode: 4849
  • Population: 1,200
  • Location: 175km S of Cairns
  • State: QLD

Which bins does Cardwell have?

Cassowary Coast provides the following kerbside bins in Cardwell. Each has a different frequency, so the bins you put out vary week to week.

  • General Waste, collected weekly.
  • Recycling, collected fortnightly.
  • Garden Waste, collected fortnightly.

Cardwell bin day at a glance

You know the bay is close when the wind changes direction the night before bin day.

Every suburb has its rhythms. Knowing your collection day is part of knowing your street.

About your council's collection service

Cardwell falls under Cassowary Coast for waste and recycling collections.

  • This council operates a standard three-bin kerbside service: general waste (red lid), recycling (yellow lid), and garden organics (green lid).
  • Collections are typically fortnightly, with recycling and organics alternating each week.
  • Your exact collection day depends on your street. Enter your address above to find it.
  • Your specific collection day depends on your street. Enter your address above to find yours.

Visit Cassowary Coast website for the official policy and any service updates.

Australia Day and Anzac Day can move your collection

Australia Day on 26 January and Anzac Day on 25 April are public holidays nationwide. When either lands on a weekday, councils that collect that day often delay the rest of the week by one day.

Tip: If your bin day is mid-week, glance at the council notice the week these dates fall on a weekday.

Frequently asked questions

What counts as contamination?

Contamination means putting the wrong items in the recycling bin: food-soiled packaging, soft plastics, clothing, electrical items, or anything not specifically accepted kerbside. High contamination can cause an entire truck load to be sent to landfill.

Why was my bin not collected?

Common reasons include: the bin lid wasn't fully closed, the bin wasn't at the kerb before the truck passed, there was contamination in the recycling bin, or the bin was blocking the truck's mechanical arm. Your council's website usually has a missed collection form.

How often is recycling collected?

In many councils, recycling is collected every two weeks, often alternating with garden organics. Some areas run weekly recycling, and a few run weekly general waste with fortnightly everything else. Enter your address above to find your specific schedule.

Nearby suburbs

The bay suburbs each run their own collection schedules. Here are the closest ones to check.

InnisfailTullyMission BeachBabinda

Quick tips for bin night

  • Flatten before you fill. A single un-flattened box can eat half your recycling bin. Break it down first and you'll fit a fortnight of cardboard without a fight.
  • Two rules, both matter. There is a correct bin. There is a correct night. These are two different things and both matter.
  • Break down those boxes. Overfilling the recycling bin means the lid won't close. Lids need to close for collection. Break down the boxes and save yourself the drama.

Get the schedule for your street

Bin days in Cardwell vary by street and zone. Enter your address on the home page to see the next collection date for every bin.

Find my bin day