Policy Purpose
The purpose of this clause is to establish clear expectations regarding waste contamination, protect the integrity of recycling and Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) streams, and ensure that additional costs associated with contaminated materials are appropriately managed. This clause supports environmental outcomes by encouraging correct waste segregation while maintaining fair and transparent commercial arrangements between the parties.

1. Contamination Standard

The Customer acknowledges and agrees that all bins and waste streams must contain only the approved materials as outlined within this Agreement and any supporting waste management guidelines.

Any bin or waste stream found to contain materials not approved for that stream may be classified as contaminated waste at the reasonable discretion of KARI Foundation/Clean Vibes.

2. Contaminated Bins

Where a bin is identified as contaminated, it will be classified as contaminated waste.

A refund, rebate, or Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) return payment may still be applicable for the eligible contents of the bin, however any costs associated with contamination handling will be deducted from the refund amount prior to payment.

The Customer acknowledges that contaminated bins require additional handling, including but not limited to sorting, decontamination, transport, and disposal, all of which incur additional operational costs.

3. Warning Process and Service Suspension

Where contamination is identified, we will provide the Customer with photographic evidence of the contamination together with written notice.

The first confirmed instance of contamination will constitute a formal warning. This warning will also serve as the final warning.

The issuance of a warning notice does not waive or suspend contamination charges. Any contamination-related costs incurred will continue to be deducted prior to any refund being issued for eligible containers, regardless of whether a warning has been issued.

If contamination is identified in any subsequent collection following the warning, we reserve the right to immediately cease services, remove the bin(s) from site, and terminate or suspend collections at its discretion.

4. Reclassification and Additional Charges

KARI Foundation/Clean Vibes reserves the right to:

• Reclassify contaminated recycling or CDS material as general waste (landfill);
• Apply additional charges for contamination, including labour, transport, sorting, disposal, and administration costs;
• Reject, remove, or redirect contaminated loads where required by receiving facilities; and
• Adjust service delivery where contamination presents an operational, environmental, or safety risk.

Any costs associated with rejected loads or redirected waste streams will be borne by the Customer.

Where contamination-related costs exceed the total refund value of the bin, the remaining balance will become payable by the Customer. We may deduct any unpaid balance from future refunds, rebates, or return payments until the outstanding amount has been fully recovered.

5. Determination of Contamination

KARI Foundation/Clean Vibes shall have sole discretion to determine whether a bin or waste stream is contaminated, based on reasonable inspection, weighing processes, visual audits, photographic evidence, and standard industry practices.

Such determinations shall be final and binding, provided they are made in good faith.

6. Customer Responsibility

The Customer is responsible for ensuring that only approved materials are deposited into the appropriate bins and agrees to take all reasonable steps to prevent contamination. This includes:

• Ensuring vendors, staff, and patrons comply with agreed waste management requirements;
• Distributing and adhering to any provided waste education materials; and
• Notifying Clean Vibes of any unusual or hazardous waste streams in advance.

KARI Foundation / Clean Vibes shall not be liable for any loss, inconvenience, or reduced rebates resulting from contamination caused by the Customer, its contractors, patrons, or third parties.

7. Contamination Mitigation

KARI Foundation/Clean Vibes will take reasonable steps to minimise contamination, which may include bin signage, colour-coded systems, education, and on-site staffing where agreed. However, ultimate responsibility for correct waste disposal remains with the Customer.