Why Bins Weren’t Collected in Melbourne’s North

Waste collectors from Hume, Darebin and Merri-bek councils went on strike on Tuesday 7 April 2026. They want better pay. Many bins in Melbourne’s north were not emptied. The Australian Services Union (ASU) said more action would follow.

Key Facts

• When: Tuesday 7 April 2026, a 24-hour strike.
• Bins affected: Hume, Darebin and Merri-bek.
• Worst hit: Hume, where about 70 workers walked off the job.
• Pay claim: 10% this year, then 4% a year for three years.
• Parking officers: Also stopped work in Yarra, Maribyrnong and Melbourne.

Why Workers Went on Strike

ASU Victoria and Tasmania branch secretary Tash Wark said: “They have watched their wages fall by 10 per cent in real terms over the last four years.” Hume garbage collector Jayden Watson said he was falling behind while trying to save for a home.

What Councils Said

The councils said they respected the union’s legal right to take action. “We ask our communities for their patience,” they said. Merri-bek and Darebin brought in casual staff to limit the impact. Hume residents had to wait.

The Rate Cap

Councils say the state government’s rate cap limits what they can pay. Acting Premier Ben Carroll said: “The rates cap is a really important cost-of-living measure.”

More Action Planned

The union said more action could hit Darebin, Greater Dandenong, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melbourne, Merri-bek and Yarra. That could mean parks not mowed and library disruptions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why weren’t my bins collected?

Waste workers in Hume, Darebin and Merri-bek went on strike on 7 April 2026.

What do the workers want?

A 10% pay rise this year, then 4% a year.

What should I do with extra rubbish?

Check your council’s website for updates.

Conclusion

The strike shows how much we rely on council workers. Talks between the union and councils were continuing.

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