Waste

Date: 29 January 2026

Waste Transfer Stations

Castlemaine and Maldon transfer stations are open as normal.

Currently, residents of the shire who have been bushfire affected can dispose of materials that have been damaged by the fire at our transfer stations free of charge. Proof of residence of Mount Alexander Shire (driver's license or rates notice) is requested.

Please note that for the safety of staff and the public, our transfer stations are closed on days of Total Fire Ban.

Drop off location for waste items

Residents from bushfire affected areas have temporarily been provided skip bins for landfill waste. Please do not use these bins to dispose of building materials, asbestos or dead animals.

Harcourt skip bins are on the road reserve opposite the Harcourt Bowling Club on Harmony Way. There is also a skip bin at the Sutton Grange Community Hall (921 Faraday-Sutton Grange Road). 

Kerbside waste collection

Kerbside waste collection has resumed in all areas.

For residents whose homes need rebuilding or repair before they are habitable, you can choose to pause your waste charge and service. Please phone 03 5471 1700 to request your waste charge and service be paused.

Damaged wheelie bins

If your wheelie bins have been bushfire damaged and you would like them replaced, please phone 03 5471 1700 or submit a request at Report your damaged bin.

Food waste

YIMBY Community Composting has dropped off 200 buckets at Barkers Creek (the beginning of Specimen Gully Road and Midland Highway) and at the Harcourt Recreation Reserve for residents to take a bucket and dispose of their food waste. Drop it back off in the same location and their team of composters will turn it into compost and return it to Harcourt when it's ready. Watch their Facebook video. The following food items can go in the bucket:

  • fruit and vegetables, including citrus peel, in any form, preferably chopped up into smaller pieces

  • leftovers and cooked foods, including meat

  • bread, rice, pasta - cooked. or uncooked

  • eggs or egg shells

  • coffee and tea (tea bags OK, unless it's the 'silk' or pyramid type - they are plastic)

  • onions and garlic

  • nuts, old spices

  • lentils, beans, etc

  • cakes, biscuits

  • contents of vacuum cleaner (if no plastic contaminants)

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