Donation Bin Permit

If you plan to place a donation bin on Council land, you will need a Donation Bin Permit, in accordance with “Community Safety and Amenity Local Law 2024 (Clause 49.1.2)”. More information: Community Safety and Amenity Local Law

Donation bins are for clothing only.

This permit is to ensure donation bins are placed in appropriate locations and maintained properly.

A permit is not required if the donation bin is placed on a private property.

Who can apply

  • Welfare organisations
  • Charity groups
  • Recycling organisations

Applicants must be registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) or hold a current National Association of Charitable Recycling Organisations (NACRO) membership.

Conditions of permit

  • Donation bins are for clothing only.
  • Bins must clearly display the organisation name, beneficiary, and contact phone number.
  • Bins must be securely constructed, stable in all weather and designed to minimise vandalism.
  • Bins must be placed on ground level in the approved location only.
  • The permit holder must maintain bins and surrounding areas, and remove any waste placed next to or blown from the bin, including all items within a 5-metre radius of the bin, within 24 hours of becoming aware or being notified of such waste.
  • Offensive graffiti must be removed within 24 hours of becoming aware or being notified. All other graffiti must be removed within 5 business days.
  • Bins must be checked and cleared regularly - at least every 48 hours, or daily during peak periods.
  • Applicant must provide current ACNC registration or NACRO membership details.
  • Public Liability Insurance of $20 million must be held and provided to Council.
  • Application and permit fees apply unless waived for eligible organisations.
  • The permit is valid only for the approved bin(s) and approved site(s).
  • Council may inspect bin sites at any time.
  • Bins that do not meet permit conditions may be removed or impounded without notice.
  • If illegal dumping continues to occur at the bin site, Council may require the permit holder to install CCTV or other deterrent measures to monitor and reduce unlawful activity.
  • The permit becomes invalid if fees are unpaid, insurance lapses, or conditions are breached.
  • Moving or installing bins at a new site requires Council approval.

Print version: Clothing Donation Bin Permit Conditions(PDF, 201KB)

Information or documents required when applying

  • Proof of registration with ACNC or NACRO membership.
  • Detailed plan illustrating the proposed location for the placement of donation bins, including the number of bins (use aerial or satellite images).
  • Public liability insurance cover details (minimum of $20 million).
  • Specific details about the bin (colour, organisation name, contact information).

Cost

  • Non-refundable application fee: $143.50
  • Permit fee: $425.40 per donation bin per site.
  • The permit fee is waived for approved NACRO members and organisations registered with ACNC, but application must still be made for a non-fee permit.

Online application

Step 2.Apply online

By submitting this application, the applicant acknowledges they have read, understood, and agree to all conditions of the Donation Bin Permit. Non-compliance may result in enforcement action, removal or impoundment of bins, or cancellation of the permit.

Apply 

Step 3.Timeframe

  • Full payment will be processed when you apply.
  • Applications will be processed within 10 business days of receipt.

Step 4.Application approval

  • If approved, applicants will be notified of the outcome and any conditions attached to the permit. The permit will be issued via email, and the donation bin may then be placed in accordance with the permit conditions. Council will inspect to ensure compliance with the permit.
  • If the application is not successful, Council will decline in writing (email) and refund the bin permit fees paid. Please note that the application fee is non‑refundable.

Step 5.What happens next

  • Once approved, the permit holder must comply with all conditions outlined in the permit.
  • The permit holder is responsible for maintaining the bins and ensuring they are cleared regularly.
  • Monash Council will monitor compliance and may impound bins that do not meet the conditions.