Clear it out this summer: how councils help South Australians manage waste

4 January 2026

The holiday period is a popular time to declutter, tackle overdue clean-ups and make space at home. Across South Australia, councils support residents with a wide range of waste and recycling services, from hard rubbish collections to year-round drop-off centres for tricky household items.

These services help keep communities clean, reduce landfill and make it easier for residents to dispose of waste safely and responsibly.

Here is a snapshot of what some councils offer.

City of Charles Sturt

The Beverley Recycling and Waste Centre serves residents and businesses across the western suburbs and beyond. Locals can drop off a range of household items for free, including paint, car batteries, cardboard and e-waste such as televisions, computers, kettles and toasters. The centre plays a key role in keeping reusable and recyclable materials out of landfill.

Check out the open times over the holiday break at City of Charles Sturt.

City of West Torrens

Residents can use the Chemical and Paint Drop-off Centre at the Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre in North Plympton. The free service allows householders to safely dispose of up to 100 litres of paint or chemicals, including motor oil, pool chemicals, fertilisers and pharmaceuticals.

Find out what else you can dispose of at City of West Torrens.

City of Unley

The City of Unley supports residents with drop-off options for small quantities of hard-to-dispose waste. Accepted items include batteries, engine and cooking oil, light globes, fluorescent tubes, mobile phones, small electrical goods and clean polystyrene. This service helps divert hazardous and problem waste from kerbside bins.

Find out more at City of Unley.

Adelaide Hills Council

The Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre accepts household chemicals and paints, small electronic goods, X-ray films, gas bottles and fire extinguishers. Residents can also dispose of larger hard waste items such as mattresses and couches for a fee. The centre provides a practical option for managing waste that does not belong in household bins.

Check accepted items and opening hours at Adelaide Hills Council.

District Council of Kimba

Primary producers can book disposal services for DrumMUSTER-approved chemical containers, supporting safe and responsible management of farm waste in the region.

Contact the council to find out more at District Council of Kimba.

Mount Barker District Council

Council runs free green waste drop-off days throughout the year, giving residents the chance to dispose of tree and shrub prunings and branches up to 100 millimetres in diameter. The program supports garden maintenance while reducing pressure on kerbside collections.

Plan your drop-off and make the most of this free service by visiting Mount Barker District Council.

City of Onkaparinga

Residents can access two major waste facilities: the Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre in Plympton and the Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre. Both accept garden chemicals, automotive products, insect repellents and rat poison. The centres open seven days a week and allow free drop-off for many household waste items.

Check holiday opening hours and service updates at City of Onkaparinga.

Many other councils across the state offer similar services to support their communities. Check your local council website to see what facilities, drop-off options and collections are available nearby.