What is Strata Bin Cleaning?
If you live in a unit, townhouse, or apartment complex in Australia, chances are you’re living in a strata-titled property. This means you own your individual lot (your home), but you also share ownership of common areas with others in the building or complex. One of the most used—and often overlooked—shared spaces is the bin area.
Dirty bins aren’t just unpleasant. They can create serious health risks, attract pests, and leave a bad impression on visitors or potential buyers. That’s where strata bin cleaning comes in.
In this post, we’ll explore what strata bin cleaning is, which properties it applies to, why it’s necessary, and how often it should be done. We’ll also talk about who’s responsible for organising it and the benefits it brings to both residents and building managers.
What Does “Strata” Mean in Australia?
Strata is a property ownership system used across Australia. It’s especially common in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. When you buy into a strata property, you own your home or lot, but you also become part of a strata scheme that manages shared areas.
Some examples of common property in strata-titled developments include:
Driveways and pathways
Entrances and stairwells
Gardens and lawns
Lifts and hallways
Shared facilities like pools and gyms
Strata schemes are often managed by a body corporate or strata committee, which makes decisions about property upkeep, repairs, services, and cleaning.
What Types of Properties Are Considered Strata?
Strata properties cover a wide range of residential and commercial buildings in Australia, including:
Apartment buildings
Townhouse complexes
Duplexes or triplexes
Retirement villages and over-55s communities
Student housing blocks
Short-stay and holiday rentals under strata title
Mixed-use properties (e.g., shops on the bottom, units above)
If a building shares any common areas—including bins and waste facilities—it falls under the strata category and should follow appropriate cleaning and maintenance plans.
What is Strata Bin Cleaning?
Strata bin cleaning refers to the professional cleaning of communal bins and bin rooms in strata-managed properties. These bins usually include:
General waste bins
Recycling bins
Green waste bins (for garden and food waste)
Bulk bins (like 660L or 1100L capacity)
Organic or compost bins (in newer buildings)
These bins handle a lot of waste daily. Without proper cleaning, they become dirty, smelly, and unhealthy to be around. Over time, they also become a breeding ground for bacteria, maggots, rodents, and cockroaches.
A professional strata bin cleaning service will:
Empty leftover waste
Pressure wash the inside and outside of each bin
Scrub and sanitise bin lids, handles, and wheels
Use disinfectant and deodorizer to eliminate germs and odours
Clean surrounding bin areas or bin rooms if needed
Use eco-friendly cleaning methods to minimise environmental impact
Why is Strata Bin Cleaning So Important?
1. Promotes Good Hygiene
Bins collect all kinds of waste—food scraps, nappies, takeaway containers, coffee cups, garden waste, and more. Without regular cleaning, bins become full of bacteria and harmful microbes that can affect people’s health.
2. Reduces Odours
A clean bin doesn’t just look better—it smells better too. In hot Aussie weather, bad smells from unwashed bins can spread quickly through common areas and cause complaints.
3. Prevents Pest Infestation
Dirty bins attract rats, mice, maggots, flies, cockroaches, and even snakes. Cleaning bins regularly removes the food sources and nesting material that pests look for.
4. Improves Property Value
A well-maintained property is easier to sell or rent out. Clean, fresh-smelling bin rooms show that the building is cared for, which can improve buyer confidence and tenant satisfaction.
5. Reduces Complaints
Bin rooms are a common source of resident complaints in strata buildings. Regular cleaning keeps the area pleasant for everyone and reduces the number of issues building managers have to deal with.
6. Meets Health and Safety Standards
In some states, strata schemes are legally required to keep shared areas clean and safe. Neglecting the cleanliness of bin areas can result in council warnings or even fines.
How Often Should Strata Bins Be Cleaned?
There’s no one-size-fits-all rule, but here’s a general guide based on the size and usage of the property:
| Property Type | Suggested Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Small block (4–10 units) | Monthly or bi-monthly |
| Medium-sized complex (10–30) | Fortnightly |
| Large high-rise (30+ units) | Weekly or even multiple times/week |
| Retirement or student housing | Weekly or fortnightly |
| Commercial + residential mix | Weekly or fortnightly |
In warmer months (especially summer), bins may need to be cleaned more often due to faster odour build-up and increased pest activity.
Who Organises Strata Bin Cleaning?
Typically, strata bin cleaning is arranged by the:
Strata manager
Building manager
Strata committee or body corporate
They select a trusted cleaning company Like Super Clean Bins, Inquire about the pricing or sign up for a cleaning plan, and manage the cost through strata fees paid by lot owners.
Some cleaning companies offer flexible packages, including:
Once-off deep cleans
Regular scheduled cleaning
Emergency bin cleans after spills or overflows
Add-ons like pest control and bin room sanitation
It’s important to choose a reliable, insured, and experienced provider who understands the unique needs of strata properties.
Choosing the Right Bin Cleaning Company
Here are some things to look for when hiring a bin cleaning company:
Experience with strata properties
Fully insured and compliant with OH&S
Eco-friendly products and water-saving practices
Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
Police-checked and uniformed staff
Good reviews from other strata clients
Ask if they can provide a cleaning log or service report so you know when bins were last cleaned and what was done.
A Clean Bin Area Makes a Big Difference
Clean bins are more than just a “nice-to-have.” They’re essential for the health, comfort, and overall appeal of any strata property.
Just like hallways and gardens, bins are part of shared living. Regular cleaning shows respect for your neighbours and pride in your home.
Strata bin cleaning is one of those services that often go unnoticed—until it’s not done. Then the smells, mess, and complaints begin to pile up.
Investing in a regular, professional bin cleaning service helps:
Keep your property safe and hygienic
Improve daily living conditions for residents
Reduce pest problems and unwanted odours
Support building managers with fewer complaints
Maintain a clean, attractive appearance for visitors and future buyers
If you live in or manage a strata property in Australia, it’s worth making strata bin cleaning a regular part of your building maintenance plan.
Need Help?
Looking for reliable strata bin cleaning in your area? Choose Super Clean Bins—Australia’s most 5-star reviewed bin cleaning provider. We understand local strata laws, offer flexible service schedules, and use safe, eco-friendly methods that get results. Clean bins aren’t just about waste—they’re about wellness, property value, and shared pride in your community.
📞 Get in touch with Super Clean Bins today by pricing form or call 0422 548 750