At least eight public bins around Gungahlin’s light rail stop have been boarded up by the ACT Government since the end of last year, leaving many confused as to why. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
If you’ve gotten off at the Gungahlin light rail stop in the past couple of months, you may have found it difficult to get rid of the rubbish in your pockets.
This is most likely due to eight of the stop’s public bins being boarded up by the ACT Government.
Four bins on each side of the Gungahlin light rail line have had wood installed at the mouths of the bins, with short apologies and directions to the nearest available bin from the ACT Government placed on the front.
The signs read, “This bin is currently not in use. Alternative bins can be found on Gungalin Place. We apologise for any inconvenience”.
All of the bins have also been tagged with out-of-order stickers, and most have been graffitied over with spray paint.
The discovery of the ‘out of order’ bins has caused a stir with many commuters from Gungahlin who use the light rail, with some taking to social media to slam the government’s decision to board them up.
“This looks like a pic from the outskirts of North London. Grim,” one person wrote.
“The bins have been closed since last year and replaced with green bins on the corner. I don’t know why they’ve closed, it’s disappointing,” another said.
“How can a bin be out of order? It is a bin. Am I missing something?” a third said, confused.
Turns out the answer, according to the ACT Government, is due to safety for cleaning and maintenance crews.
“As part of ongoing efforts to improve safety for cleaning and maintenance crews, the four bins located adjacent to the Gungahlin light rail alignment between Hinder Street and Gungahlin Place are being relocated away from the light rail tracks to improve vehicle access,” an ACT Government spokesperson said.
“The removal of the bin shrouds is expected to be completed by August 2026.”
The ACT Government said that the removal of the bins will be done in stages.
“The four bins on Hibberson Street between Hinder Street and Kate Crace Street have also been identified for removal and future relocation,” an ACT Government spokesperson said.
“Although the original bin placement complies with safety requirements, its proximity to the light rail tracks has made access difficult and impractical for crews responsible for waste removal.
“Relocating the bins will allow service vehicles to access the area more easily, supporting safer and more efficient operations.”
The bins are set to remain boarded for at least the next few months before they are eventually removed.
In the meantime, commuters walking past Gungahlin station are expected to use temporary wheelie bins chained to posts at the corners of Hinder Street, adjacent to the light rail station, and on Gungahlin Place.
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Canberra.
