Kerbside Collection: Creative Upcycling Ideas

Kerbside Collection is coming to Greenslopes and Stones Corner this 9 May 2022. But before you decide to discard that old furniture or bathtub, consider upcycling instead. Check out these repurposed items and see how a little bit of imagination and creativity can turn trash into treasure.



First things first. The list of Kerbside Collection acceptable unwanted household items (items that are too big for wheelie bins) includes: 

  • bath and laundry tubs
  • bicycles and sporting equipment
  • carpet and rugs
  • electronic waste* (e.g. televisions and computers)
  • furniture and white goods (e.g. fridges and stoves)
  • small household appliances (e.g. fans and toasters)
  • wood products less than 1.5 metres

The following are considered unacceptable items and illegal dumping fines may apply if these materials are not removed within seven days of the notified collection period:

  • bricks and concrete
  • commercial builders waste
  • car parts and tyres, including car batteries
  • dirt and stones
  • garden waste (e.g. trees, grass, potted plants)
  • gas bottles
  • general household waste (e.g. food scraps)
  • glass and mirrors
  • hazardous wastes (e.g. chemicals, oil, asbestos)
  • household waste that normally goes into your waste or recycling bin
  • liquids

Repurpose your old refrigerator

Did you know that you can turn an old fridge into a comfy couch?

old fridge into a couch
Photo Credit: bitrebels.com / Pinterest

You can also turn it into a doghouse, a planter, or even a smoker. Click here for more ideas.

 old fridge into a planter
Photo Credit: littlepieceofme.com / Pinterest
 old fridge into a doghouse
Photo Credit: homecrux.com  / Pinterest


Creative bathtub reuse

How about repurposing your old bathtub into a modern armchair with cushions?

old bathtub into a modern armchair
Photo Credit: lushome.com / Pinterest

Click here for some more great ideas for your bathtub upcycling project.

E-wastes into a functional art pieces

Check out this old computer monitor turned into a wonderful functional art piece.

old computer monitor turned into a wonderful functional art piece
Photo Credit: instagram.com  / Pinterest

Have some old CDs and DVDs. Turn them into a lamp. Check out this tutorial.

old CDs and DVDs into a lamp
Photo Credit: photocreations.ca / Pinterest

And, why not turn your old floppy disks into a fashionable purse?

old floppy disks into a fashionable purse
Photo Credit:  recyclart.org / Pinterest

Alternatively, you may donate your useable items to any charitable institutions or not-for-profit organisations that can reuse or recycle them like GIVIT and Charitable Recycling Australia.

Greenslopes Kerbside Collection: How To Dispose of Unacceptable Items

Greenslopes residents, take note! On Monday, the 24th of February 2020, items for kerbside collection will be picked up at 6:00 a.m. If you have stuff to dispose of, you must place these items on your kerb the weekend prior to collection time. 

You also need to ensure that your kerbside collection pile is free of “unacceptable items.” Otherwise, the collectors will leave those out on your kerb and you could be fined for illegal dumping.

So, how do you dispose of unacceptable items? Below are some tips:

Bricks, concrete, dirt and stones, and commercial builders waste

Wastes after a building construction, renovation or demolition go to the landfill when at least 75 percent of these can be cleaned and reused, like concrete and bricks. You can sell or give these away to resource and recovery centres. Most of these businesses provide pick-up and drop-off services for an extra fee so you won’t have to worry about hauling stuff off your property.



Hazardous wastes (e.g. asbestos, chemicals and oil)

It is very important to handle and dispose of hazardous wastes carefully because these items may bring a serious impact on the environment if mishandled. It is never safe to put this for recycling because these are “flammable, corrosive, explosive or toxic.” 

The Brisbane City Council has free drop off days in its four resource recovery centres so take note of the dates.

Photo Credit: Brisbane City Council 

Asbestos disposal, however, is handled by contractors. Better yet, call the Council 07 3403 8888 for questions about proper hazardous waste disposal.



General household wastes

Bin collection day for general household wastes is scheduled weekly and fortnightly. Download the Brisbane bin and recycling app to receive reminders of these schedules so you won’t have to miss the pickup.