Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for managing litter safely and efficiently across Australian workplaces, sites and public-facing facilities. It helps organisations control slip, trip and hygiene risks while presenting a clean, professional environment that meets WHS and environmental obligations.

Effective litter management is far more than a housekeeping task – it is a critical control for slips, trips and falls, biohazards, fire load and pest infestation, particularly in high-traffic Australian workplaces and public spaces. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a consistent, defensible approach to planning, collecting, segregating, transporting and disposing of litter, including sharps, broken glass, food waste and other potentially hazardous materials. It is designed to support your WHS duties while aligning with environmental and local government expectations around waste minimisation and presentation standards.

The SOP provides step-by-step guidance for routine and responsive litter collection, safe handling of contaminated or sharp items, and clear escalation pathways when hazardous or suspicious waste is identified. It standardises how workers assess areas, select appropriate tools and PPE, implement traffic and pedestrian controls, and document issues such as illegal dumping or recurring hotspots. By implementing this procedure, your business can reduce incident rates, improve hygiene and public perception, and demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation and relevant environmental regulations.

Key Benefits

• Reduce slips, trips, falls and hygiene-related incidents by systematically removing litter and debris from work and public areas.
• Ensure consistent, safe practices for handling sharps, broken glass, bio-contaminated waste and other hazardous litter types.
• Support compliance with WHS duties and environmental expectations through documented, auditable litter management processes.
• Streamline communication between cleaning, maintenance, security and management teams when litter hotspots or hazardous items are identified.
• Enhance the appearance and reputation of sites, improving customer, community and worker satisfaction while reducing complaints.

Who is this for?

• Facility Managers
• Site Supervisors
• WHS Managers
• Grounds and Maintenance Teams
• Cleaning Contractors
• Operations Managers
• Local Government Works Supervisors
• Event and Venue Managers
• Retail Centre Managers
• Education Campus Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Slips, trips and falls caused by discarded items, packaging, food waste and debris
• Cuts and puncture wounds from broken glass, metal offcuts and sharp objects
• Needlestick and sharps injuries from improperly discarded syringes or blades
• Exposure to biological contaminants from food waste, sanitary products and animal droppings
• Pest infestation and associated health risks from accumulated litter and organic waste
• Increased fire load and ignition risk from paper, cardboard and other combustible litter
• Vehicle and plant interaction risks during litter collection near roads, car parks or work zones
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive bending, reaching and manual handling of litter and waste receptacles

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Litter Classifications
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Area Inspection Requirements
• 6.0 Required PPE, Tools and Equipment
• 7.0 Standard Litter Collection Procedures
• 8.0 Handling of Hazardous Litter (Sharps, Broken Glass, Biohazardous Waste)
• 9.0 Traffic and Pedestrian Management During Litter Collection
• 10.0 Waste Segregation, Storage and Disposal Requirements
• 11.0 Incident, Near Miss and Hotspot Reporting
• 12.0 Cleaning, Decontamination and Hygiene Practices
• 13.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 14.0 Monitoring, Inspection and Continuous Improvement
• 15.0 Recordkeeping and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage Work Health and Safety Risks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities
• AS/NZS 3816: Management of clinical and related wastes
• AS/NZS 1319: Safety signs for the occupational environment
• Local Government and environmental protection legislation relevant to littering and waste disposal in the applicable state or territory