The festive season often brings extra rubbish, and Cook Shire Council understands that managing household waste over Christmas can be challenging.
The Cooktown Waste Transfer Station (WTS) will be closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
To help the community manage excess rubbish following Christmas — and to prevent overfilled wheelie bins that cannot be collected — Council will provide a free skip bin outside the Cooktown WTS from 5pm on 24 until 27 December 2025.
This skip bin is being provided as a goodwill service to the community and is strictly for excess household waste only. The area is monitored by security cameras, and any misuse will be dealt with accordingly.
It’s important to remember that for kerbside collection, wheelie bin lids must be fully closed. If the lid won’t close, the bin cannot be safely emptied and will not be collected. The temporary skip bin has been provided to help avoid this situation.
Please remember:
- Skip bin is for household waste only — no commercial, construction or prohibited items
- Free to use, but use it responsibly
- Cameras are in place and the area is monitored
- Recycle where possible to reduce unnecessary waste
Council is pleased to support the community during the busy holiday period, but we also ask for understanding and respect. Our waste and operational staff deserve a well-earned break over Christmas, and this temporary service relies on everyone doing the right thing.
By using the skip bin appropriately, recycling where possible, and managing household waste responsibly, we can keep the area clean, safe and accessible for everyone.
Thank you for your cooperation, and from all of us at Cook Shire Council — Merry Christmas.