We’re not rubbish at this! Cook Shire Council’s new bin labelling program is well and truly rolling—and the results so far are wheely impressive.
In a stellar effort to get our waste services fairer, safer and more sustainable, Council crews have already carried out $2,070 worth of free bin repairs across the Shire. That includes:
- 89 fresh new lids
- 36 replacement pins
- 10 new axles
- 23 new wheels
It’s all part of our mission to make sure bins are safe to collect—and that they’re actually being paid for. Because believe it or not, 88 households were paying for a small 120L bin but presenting a jumbo 240L version on collection day. That might seem cheeky, but the estimated annual revenue loss from this alone is $25,000.
And the surprises didn’t stop there.
Council has identified 110 bins that aren’t even registered for service. That’s like hitching a ride without paying the fare—and while we don’t yet have a dollar figure, we know the long-term cost to the community adds up.
Second Audit Coming In Hot
From Monday 9 June 2025, we commenced Round 2 of the bin audit. This is your final chance to get your bins sorted and labelled for free. Here’s the deal:
- Bins must be kerbside on your normal collection day, between 6 AM and 6 PM
- Damaged, oversized, or unregistered bins will not be labelled
- Pro tip: Write your address or lot/plan number on the bin to make it easy to identify!
No More Second Chances
After this audit:
- You’ll need to book a call-out (fee: $35, rising to $36.50 from 1 July), or
- Bring your bin and a copy of your rates notice to the Cooktown Waste Transfer Station—where we’ll happily label it for free.
The Numbers So Far
Across all kerbside collection areas:
- 1,478 bins inspected
- 777 already labelled (nice work!)
- 196 need replacing
- 367 weren’t visable/accessible during first road of audit
- 104 were the wrong size
- 110 weren’t paid for
- 28 new service requests
We’re on a roll, Cook Shire—but let’s keep it rolling in the right direction. Check your bin. Check your rates notice. And make sure you’re ready before 30 June.
Because remember: No Label = No Service