Darwin council could permanently move pre-cyclone clean-up to May

The City of Darwin has confirmed it will consider permanently moving its annual hard rubbish collection to May, after the wet season.

The council previously announced the 2026 "pre-cyclone clean-up" would be postponed until next year, citing extensive restoration work from Cyclone Fina

The neighbouring Palmerston council began its pre-cyclone clean-up this week, saying it has no plans to change the timing.

The City of Darwin has confirmed it will consider permanently moving its annual pre-cyclone clean-up until after the wet season from next year onwards.

The council earlier postponed this year's annual hard rubbish collection, usually scheduled for the August-September period, until May, 2027.

At the time, Lord Mayor Peter Styles said postponing the clean-up would allow the council to focus on the extensive restoration work required in the wake of Cyclone Fina last November.

"Postponing the city-wide collection until May, 2027 allows us to focus on restoring business-as-usual service levels," he said.

But in response to questions from the ABC, a spokesperson has now confirmed the council is set to consider permanently moving the annual clean-up to May.

"City of Darwin can confirm there will be a scheduled outdoor hard rubbish collection in 2027, commencing in May," they said in a statement.

"Following the May, 2027 collection, [the] council will consider the timing and approach for future outdoor hard rubbish collections, including whether May becomes the annual collection period."

While the council says it is offering an assisted removal service for residents who are unable to move hazardous items, the change has drawn criticism from NT politicians, including Local Government Minister Steve Edgington.

"The mayor has confirmed that City of Darwin have the budget to do the pre-cyclone clean-up, they're just choosing not to do it in the pre-cyclone season," he said.

Meanwhile the City of Palmerston has begun its hard waste collection for 2026, with Mayor Athina Pascoe-Bell confirming there were no plans to change the timing.

"There was never any consideration not to run our pre-cyclone clean-up this year, and we anticipate that will continue for many years to come," she said.

Cr Pascoe-Bell said the pre-cyclone clean-up was an essential service that Palmerston ratepayers had voiced their appreciation for in recent months.

"The community really do appreciate this service," she said.

"It's one of those things we should keep front of mind throughout the year, recognising not everyone can get to [the tip] with things that they need to dispose of."

Darwin Lord Mayor Peter Styles was not available for an interview.