Australia has over 8,000 approved childcare centres, and the sector continues to grow. What many operators do not realise is how much waste these facilities generate — or how much they are overpaying for waste collection. A typical 80-place long day care centre produces 150-250 kilograms of waste per week, driven largely by disposable nappies, food waste, packaging, and cleaning products. At current disposal rates, that represents $5,000-$12,000 per year in waste costs — a significant line item for any childcare operator.
The Unique Waste Streams of Childcare
Nappies and Hygiene Waste
Disposable nappies are the single largest waste stream in most childcare centres, accounting for 40-60% of total waste by weight. A centre caring for 30 children under three can go through 120-180 nappies per day. These are heavy (especially soiled nappies), non-recyclable, and must go to general waste. The weight drives up collection costs, particularly on weight-based waste contracts.
Nappy waste also creates hygiene challenges. Bins must be emptied frequently to control odour and bacteria. In warmer months, this becomes a daily necessity. Sealed nappy disposal units with foot pedals and liner systems are standard in Victorian childcare centres, as required by licensing regulations.
Food Waste
Centres that provide meals generate substantial food waste — plate scrapings, preparation waste, and expired ingredients. A centre preparing breakfast, morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea for 80 children generates 15-30 kilograms of food waste per day. This is a prime candidate for organic waste collection, which is often cheaper per kilogram than general waste disposal and diverts material from landfill.
Recyclables and Packaging
Food packaging, milk cartons, cardboard boxes, and art supply packaging generate a steady stream of recyclable material. Many childcare centres are already separating recyclables, but contamination rates tend to be high — staff are busy with children and waste sorting is rarely a priority. Clear signage at bin stations and a simple two-bin system (general waste and co-mingled recycling) can significantly improve recycling rates.
Art and Craft Materials
Paint containers, glue bottles, glitter, fabric scraps, paper offcuts, and used craft supplies are common. Most of this material is non-recyclable and goes to general waste. Switching to washable and reusable art supplies where possible (washable paint, fabric scraps for collage, natural materials from outdoor play) reduces both waste and procurement costs.
Regulatory Requirements
Childcare centres in Victoria must comply with the National Quality Framework (NQF) and the Education and Care Services National Regulations. While these regulations do not prescribe specific waste management systems, they do require centres to maintain safe, hygienic environments — which directly impacts waste handling practices.
Key regulatory considerations include:
- Nappy changing areas must have lidded, foot-operated bins within arm's reach
- Kitchen waste must be stored in covered bins and removed before it attracts pests
- Outdoor bins must be secured to prevent access by children and animals
- Hazardous materials (cleaning chemicals, sanitisers) must be stored and disposed of separately from general waste
- Sharps (rare, but relevant for centres administering medication) must follow clinical waste protocols
Reducing Waste Costs in Childcare
Right-Size Your Bins
Many childcare centres are on bin configurations set up when the centre opened, never reviewed since. If your 660L bin is only half full at collection time, you may be able to downsize to a 360L bin and save 30-40% on that collection. Conversely, if bins are consistently overflowing, you are likely paying excess waste charges that cost more than simply upgrading to a larger bin or increasing frequency.
Separate Food Waste
If your centre prepares meals on-site, introducing a food and organic waste collection can reduce your general waste volume by 20-30%. Organic waste collection is often cheaper per kilogram than general waste (no landfill levy applies), so you save on both the reduced general waste volume and the lower cost of organic disposal.
Review Your Contract
Childcare centres often accept the first waste provider quote they receive, particularly when setting up a new centre under time pressure. If you have not reviewed your waste contract in the last two years, you are very likely overpaying. Get multiple quotes and compare — we regularly find significant savings for childcare operators who have never tendered their waste services.
Multi-Site Opportunities
If you operate a childcare group with multiple centres, consolidating your waste contracts across all sites is one of the most effective cost reduction strategies. Volume leverage, standardised bin configurations, and a single invoice make both financial and operational sense.
Sustainability in Childcare
Many childcare centres are embedding sustainability into their educational programs — composting with children, worm farms, nature-based art supplies. Aligning your waste management practices with your sustainability curriculum creates consistency and provides authentic learning experiences. Several Victorian council programs (including ResourceSmart) offer free resources and support for childcare centres pursuing sustainability accreditation.
How Bundle Waste Can Help
We work with childcare operators across Melbourne — single centres and multi-site groups — to audit waste, right-size bins, introduce organic waste streams, and negotiate better rates. Our service is particularly valuable for operators managing multiple centres, where consolidation can deliver significant savings. Contact us for a free assessment.
