Litter Baskets

Cleaning, Repair, and Replace: Complete Stormwater Asset Care with Pipe Management Australia

Pipe Management Australia (PMA) is a leading utilities management service provider on Australia’s east coast. For over 20 years, we have partnered with cities, councils and private organisations to improve the way stormwater and sewer networks flow, function and protect the environment. One of the most effective tools in that mission is our specialised litter basket service, designed to reduce pollution at the source and keep waterways clean. From Brisbane City Council to regional townships and major urban centres, our litter basket solutions continue to play a vital role in supporting cleaner communities and healthier ecosystems.

What Are Litter Baskets and Why Do They Matter?

Litter baskets are small yet powerful components within stormwater systems. Installed inside gully pits, they capture debris, rubbish, organic matter and sediment before these pollutants enter downstream networks. Without them, everyday litter like leaves, plastic wrappers or cigarette butts can accumulate inside drains, cause blockages and wash into rivers and oceans.

The critical importance of these assets was recently proven in the "Let's Strain the Drains" project, a Victorian first that monitored 120 at-source litter traps. Over just six months, these traps captured:

• 75,931 macro-litter items.
• Over 677,000 micro-litter items.
• Nearly 3.5 tonnes of organic and non-organic material.

The project identified that cigarette butts were the most frequent item (19,188 counts), and that hard and soft plastics were dominant materials across all sites, particularly in Central Business Districts (CBDs). At PMA, we understand that litter baskets are a frontline defence against this surge of stormwater pollution. By implementing a planned maintenance program and using high-performance baskets, we help councils and organisations prevent issues before they escalate.

Experience Our Expertise with Our Litter Basket Services

What sets PMA apart is our holistic, solutions-focused approach to every project. We don’t just install or clean litter baskets; we take responsibility for the entire process to ensure reliable long-term performance. Our services include the following:

• Installation of new litter baskets, including the Drain Buddy, across all gully pit types.
  Routine inspections and cleaning to prevent overflows and blockages of all litter basket types.

• Advanced Data Capture, Analysis & Reporting: We provide complete reporting to help optimize service frequencies, accurately forecast costs, and identify "hotspots" of accumulated rubbish.

• GIS Integration: Our data easily integrates with Council's existing GIS maps to implement targeted and effective waste reduction plans.

• Community Engagement: We help hold community cleanup events and analyze rubbish types to contribute to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) Database.

Proudly Supporting Brisbane City Council with Proven Litter Basket Solutions 

One of the areas where our work is most visible is Brisbane. Brisbane City Council relies on effective stormwater management to protect the Brisbane River and the city’s extensive waterway network. At PMA, we proudly partner with Brisbane City Council to manage their litter baskets as part of their pollution reduction and waterway protection initiatives. Through routine maintenance, system assessments and fast response times, we help the council minimise blockages, reduce flood risks and prevent waste from entering natural waterways.

Litter baskets may be small components, but they play an essential role in protecting the environment and maintaining healthy, functional stormwater networks. By utilising the latest technology like the Drain Buddy and leveraging real-world data from projects like "Let's Strain the Drains," we provide the most effective solutions available to protect the community and environment.