Australia’s gig economy has expanded far beyond food delivery and ridesharing. One of the more unusual but increasingly popular side hustles is wheelie bin placement, which is a casual job where workers put bins out for collection and return them once emptied.
- Airbnb Hosts: Short‑stay rental owners often don’t live near their property. Reliable bin placement ensures guests aren’t left with overflowing rubbish and helps maintain positive reviews.
- Body Corporates & Apartment Blocks: Large complexes may have dozens of bins. Coordinating their placement is a logistical headache, so casual workers step in to keep things running smoothly.
- Elderly or Busy Residents: Some residents can’t manage heavy bins or simply prefer the convenience of outsourcing the task.
- Businesses: Offices, cafes, and shops often outsource bin management so staff can focus on core tasks.
In short, this service provides time, convenience, and reliability.
What the Job Involves
As a wheelie bin placement casual, your tasks are straightforward but important:
- Put bins out the evening before or morning of collection.
- Return bins once emptied, often the same day.
- Keep bin areas tidy and report issues like broken bins or excess rubbish.
- Communicate with clients to confirm the job is done.
It’s low‑stress, outdoors work that suits people who enjoy routine tasks. Shifts are short, but can add up if you service multiple clients.
How Much Can You Earn?
Rates vary depending on the company and location, but casual workers typically earn $20–$35 per hour. Some services pay per property rather than per hour, meaning you can earn more if you’re efficient.
For example:
- Servicing one Airbnb property twice a week might earn $40–$60.
- Managing bins for a large apartment block could bring in $100+ weekly.
It’s not a full‑time income, but as a side hustle, it’s reliable and easy to fit around other commitments.
How to Find Wheelie Bin Placement Jobs
Currently, the best way to find jobs is by word of mouth or online job ads on platforms such as indeed or even Gumtree. Here are a few places to start:
- Job Boards: Platforms like Seek, Indeed, and Gumtree occasionally list casual event or bin management roles.
- Community Groups: Local Facebook groups often advertise small casual jobs, including bin management.
- Direct Outreach: Contact property managers, body corporates, or Airbnb hosts directly. Many are open to hiring reliable locals.
The other place to look is on websites for specialist companies such as Binly. While Binly currently only operates in Melbourne, they’re looking to expand into new areas. If you are located in Melbourne, however, you can apply for work via their website here: https://binlygroup.com.au/join-binly/
No experience is necessary, but you’ll need your own transport, an ABN and either be an Australian Citizen or have rights to work in Australia.
Tips for Success in This Side Hustle
If you’re considering bin placement as a casual gig, here’s how to stand out:
- Be reliable: The entire service hinges on punctuality. Missing a collection can cause major issues.
- Communicate clearly: Let clients know when bins are out and back.
- Stay organised: Keep track of collection days for multiple properties.
- Be professional: Even though it’s casual work, treating it seriously builds trust and repeat business.
- Expand your services: Some workers also offer bin cleaning, garden tidying, or small maintenance tasks to increase earnings.