- City of Darwin's Pre-Cyclone Clean-Up has been postponed, with the next outdoor hard rubbish collection scheduled for May 2027.
- Darwin residents with access tags can continue to dispose of potential cyclone hazards free of charge at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility throughout the year.
- A limited assisted pick-up service will be available in August 2026 for eligible residents with mobility limitations or accessibility barriers.
City of Darwin's Pre-Cyclone Clean-Up has been postponed, with the next outdoor hard rubbish collection scheduled for May 2027.
The change follows the significant operational impacts of Cyclone Fina, with City of Darwin continuing to restore maintenance programs and service levels across the municipality after one of the largest recovery efforts in the city's history.
While the municipal-wide collection will not take place this August, residents with access tags can continue to dispose of eligible hard waste free of charge at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility throughout the year.
A limited assisted pick-up service will be available for eligible residents with mobility limitations or accessibility barriers who require support preparing their property for the wet season.
Lord Mayor Peter Styles said postponing the collection would allow City of Darwin to continue prioritising essential restoration works while maintaining practical waste disposal options for the community.
"Cyclone Fina placed unprecedented demands on our people, resources and operations, and while the recovery program has concluded, significant restoration work continues across our municipality," Mr Styles said.
"Postponing the city-wide collection until May 2027 allows us to focus on restoring business-as-usual service levels while continuing to support residents through free year-round disposal options and a targeted assisted pick-up service for those who need it most," he added.
What residents need to know:
- City of Darwin's Pre-Cyclone Clean-Up has been postponed, with the next outdoor hard rubbish collection scheduled for May 2027.
- Residents can dispose of potential cyclone hazards free of charge year-round at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility using their access tag.
- All residential properties within the Darwin municipality (that pay the waste levy) are provided with a Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility access tag, allowing residents to access the facility for free disposal of eligible general waste at the Transfer Station.
- If you are not a homeowner, please contact your landlord or property manager to discuss accessing the Shoal Bay access tag associated with your home address.
- Residents are encouraged to continue preparing their properties before each cyclone season by removing or securing loose outdoor items.
- Waste must not be placed on verges. Any items left on verges will be considered illegal dumping and fines may apply.
- Residents are encouraged to recycle, reuse or donate suitable items wherever possible to reduce waste going to landfill.
Residents don't need to wait for the annual outdoor hard rubbish collection to dispose of items that could become dangerous during severe weather. Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility remains open year-round, providing free disposal of eligible hard waste for City of Darwin residents using their access tag.
Residents are encouraged to recycle, reuse or donate suitable items wherever possible. Items in good condition can be donated to the Reviva Reuse Shop or local charities, helping extend the life of valuable materials and reduce waste sent to landfill.
Residents should continue preparing their properties ahead of each cyclone season by removing or securing loose outdoor items and disposing of potential cyclone hazards throughout the year.
Limited assisted pick-up service:
- City of Darwin will offer a limited assisted pick-up service for residents who require assistance removing hazardous outdoor items from their yard or other accessible outdoor areas.
- Bookings for the assisted pick-up service open on Monday 10 August until Friday 4 September 2026.
- Assisted pick-ups will take place between the end of August until early October 2026.
