Investigation launched over garbage truck driver’s alleged toilet break in Cremorne

A photo of a garbage truck driver allegedly urinating into private property on the lower north shore has prompted an official investigation and an apology from the local council.

A photo taken by residents during the waste collection service.

A photo of a garbage truck driver allegedly urinating into private property on the lower north shore has prompted an official investigation and an apology from the local council.

North Sydney’s weekly routine bin collection service took a surprise turn for residents in Cremorne early on Monday morning when they claim they spotted a waste truck driver succumbing to the call of nature in a bin storage bay at property on Reynolds St.

The photo has been described by some residents as “feral” with one local noting the weekly bin collection service was “supposed to be waste collection, not waste creation”.

Two residents have referred a photo of the alleged incident to North Sydney Council which confirmed an “investigation” into the matter has been launched.

“Council is shocked to learn this,” a council spokeswoman said.

The incident occurred during bin pick-up day in Cremorne.

“We apologise to our residents and are following the matter up with our waste contractor to ensure that their crews use the public toilets within our parks.”

The truck was operated by north shore based waste collection company URM which is contracted by the council to collect general household waste.

The council spokeswoman said council staff have been in contact with URM who have advised the council “they are investigating the matter”.

Public toilets in the suburb are located at sites including Primrose Park.

“All contractors will be reminded of their code of conduct and appropriate behaviour,” the council spokeswoman added.

It is understood truck drivers are advised to use public facilities should the need arise during their shifts.

In the 10 sqkm North Sydney Council area, there are more than 50 public toilet facilities including 28 in council parks and reserves.

There are also toilets in community centres, public car parks, shopping centres and railway stations.

Some residents have expressed sympathy for the truck driver with one local taking to social media stating: “When you gotta go, you gotta go”.

URM was contacted for comment about the alleged incident, but the company has not responded to questions.

The matter is not the first time a waste driver has hit the news for allegedly urinating in public during their shifts.

In 2016, the Fair Work Commission was called in to settle a dispute between a waste collection company and a garbage truck driver dismissed from his job for urinating in a Melbourne CBD laneway about six and a half hours into his shift.

The driver told the commission it was difficult to park his truck in the city near a public toilet and that because “he had a lot of bins to collect, he did not have time to find a park and stop”.

His employer, however, argued the incident was “serious” and had “potential to cause reputational damage” to the company’s brand.

The commission ultimately found the bin driver’s termination was “harsh”, “disproportionate to the gravity of the misconduct” and ordered that his employer reinstate him.