Darwin residents are encouraged to take advantage of City of Darwin’s free verge collection service to prepare for the upcoming cyclone season.

The Pre-Cyclone Clean-Up is an annual service offered by City of Darwin to collect unwanted household items that are too big for the kerbside wheelie bin. 

Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said the service provided residents the opportunity to tidy up around their homes and get rid of items that could become hazardous if left lying around during a cyclone.

“Our crews work tirelessly every year to remove hundreds of tonnes of unwanted, and potentially dangerous, items from Darwin residences,” Mr Vatskalis said.

“The 2024 Pre-cyclone Clean-up will be divided into two collection zones and eligible items for collection need to be put on the verge during the designated clean-up weekend for each zone.

“This year we are allocating a specific weekend for residents to put their items on the verge, with collection taking place the following week, allowing plenty of time for the community to be prepared. 

“Items added after the zone clean-up weekend dates will not be collected and will be the resident’s responsibility to remove,” he said.

Zone 1 suburbs can put out their items out on Saturday 31 August and Sunday 1 September. 

Zone 1 suburbs: Alawa, Anula, Brinkin, Casuarina, Jingili, Karama, Leanyer, Lyons, Malak, Marrara, Moil, Muirhead, Nakara, Tiwi, Wagaman, Wanguri, and Wulagi. 

Zone 2 suburbs can put their items out on Saturday 14 September and Sunday 15 September.  

Zone 2 suburbs: Bayview, Berrimah, Coconut Grove, Cullen Bay, Darwin City, Eaton, Fannie Bay, Larrakeyah, Ludmilla, Millner, Nightcliff, Rapid Creek, Parap, Stuart Park, The Gardens, The Narrows, Woolner, Winnellie.

Items that are unwanted, broken or cannot be repaired can be left outside for collection and items should be grouped by material type to maximise opportunities for recycling.

Eligible items include furniture, whitegoods (with shelves and doors removed), mattresses and scrap metals from items such as BBQ’s and bikes.

Items such as glass, mirrors, paint and liquids are prohibited and can become a hazard to the community if left on the verge. Please help keep our community safe and only put out what can be picked up.

Up to two cubic metres can be collected per household. 

Seniors and residents with mobility limitations can request assistance by calling 8930 0300 before Friday 27 September to arrange an assisted pick up. Assisted pick-up collections will be scheduled between 30 September and 11 October 2024.

For more information about eligible items, book an assisted pick up or to check your zone visit: darwin.nt.gov.au/pre-cyclone-clean-up