Bin Buddies - Help for seniors with their bins

City of Boroondara - Active Ageing

Location Across: Camberwell VIC, Hawthorn VIC, Kew VIC, Surrey Hills VIC, Ashburton VIC, Balwyn VIC, Balwyn North VIC, Glen Iris VIC
Category Seniors & Aged Care

Commitment

Regular - more than 6 months

Time Required

Bin days are specific to geographical areas. This program is best suited to people who live nearby/in the local neighbourhood.

Requirements

National Police Certificate ^*

Ability to move bins out onto kerb and return into resident property.

* May be arranged via the Organisation. Details to be provided on expression of interest.

Insurance Age Requirement

Between 18 and 99

The Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre is advertising this opportunity on behalf of City of Boroondara Active Ageing team.

About the program:

We know that bin day can be a challenge for some seniors. Many people need just a small helping hand. This is why we are working on a new program called ‘Bin Buddies’. Do you have a few minutes each week to help a neighbour in need? The Boroondara Bin Buddies program connects local volunteers with older residents who need a hand putting their rubbish bins out and bringing them back in on a weekly basis. It's a simple act of kindness that makes a big difference.

Why become a Bin Buddy?

Support Older Adults – help seniors maintain their independence and feel supported at home.
Build Community Connections – strengthen ties with your neighbours and fostering a caring, connected community.
Low Commitment, High Impact – just a few minutes each week can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Flexible and Local – you’ll be matched with someone nearby. It’s easy to fit into your routine.

We need you to:

Live within Boroondara City Council area
Commit 10-15 minutes each week to take a resident’s bin out and bring it in efficiently
Volunteer with the program for at least six months
Complete online police check for the Boroondara Bin Buddies program
Complete short induction with program coordinator
Sign a volunteer agreement

How The Program Works

You’ll be matched with an older adult in your local area. Each week, you’ll assist by:

Taking their rubbish bin out for collection
Return it after collection

Once we receive your expression of interest, our Program Coordinator will get in touch about the program and the next steps required.

We are aiming to launch the program in October. Volunteer recruitment and commencement may depend on successful matching with an older neighbour. Let’s support our older residents—one bin at a time!

Council recognises the benefits of a diverse volunteer program for its community. To ensure equity of access to volunteer opportunities, Council encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including people from an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander background and people of different ages, abilities, gender identities, sexual orientation and cultural backgrounds. If you require any additional support or adjustments when submitting an expression of interest, please contact the Boroondara Volunteer Resource Centre on 9278 4550.