A series of new and improved garbage bins have been rolled out across Padstow Town Centre in an effort to reduce litter and keep the City clean.

City of Canterbury Bankstown has upgraded 25 old and deteriorating street bins with new stainless-steel bins. The new bins are accessible on all sides and feature a wider opening, making it easier for the community to dispose of common items including coffee cups and pizza boxes.

One of the first to benefit from the upgrades, owner of George’s Takeaway Mel Hatzi, is pleased to see a new bin installed right outside his shop.

Running his family business in the same spot for nearly 55 years, Mr Hatzi has watched Padstow grow over the years.

“I came here in 1984 from Greece and this was my first job,” Mr Hatzi said. “I love it here because it’s nice and quiet.”

For Mr Hatzi, the shiny new bins are a welcome addition.

“People used to put their rubbish outside the bin; Sometimes I’d come in the morning and people would have left boxes next to the bins,” Mr Hatzi said.

“The new bins are bigger, so we don’t have that issue anymore. The area feels much tidier!”

Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek said the new bins are part of a wider effort to improve town centres across the City.

“We’ve been engaging with local businesses and residents on what they would like to see in town centres,” Mayor El-Hayek said.

“These new bins are just the start! We’re focussing on the look and feel of our town centres, including improving pavement washing, reviewing our cleaning schedule and tackling illegal dumping.”

“We also have Officers out and about to make sure we’re proactively fixing issues before the community has to call us.”

As part of the efforts, Council has also replaced more than 90 bin hoods in nine town centres across Canterbury-Bankstown, making existing bins easier to use.

To stay up to date on Council works and projects, visit cb.city/Projects