South-east Queensland residents have been sprung trying to make a quick buck by illegally selling council wheelie bins online.
On Tuesday, a Brisbane City Council wheelie bin appeared for sale on Gumtree.
The 240-litre bin was listed for sale for $50 at Pacific Pines on the Gold Coast, about 50 kilometres from the Brisbane local government area.
Another two Brisbane City Council wheelie bins – this time yellow-topped recycling bins – appeared on Wednesday on a Facebook buy, swap, sell page for the Springfield Lakes area.
Springfield Lakes is about 13 kilometres outside the Brisbane council area, across the border in Ipswich City.
The seller listed the council branded bins for sale at $50 each.
A Brisbane City Council spokesman said the resident who posted on Facebook was contacted on Wednesday after the council became aware of the advertisement.
"The resident has apologised for being unaware that her actions were illegal and confirmed the advertisement will be removed," the spokesman said.
"Council understands the bins were surplus bins from a family member's property.
"Council will collect the wheelie bins from her property as soon as possible."
The ad has since been removed.
The council's field services chairman, Peter Matic, said many residents were unaware it was illegal to profit from any council-owned property, including wheelie bins.
"Advertisements for council wheelie bins only pop up a few times a year, however, when council inquires, most people are unaware their actions are illegal," Cr Matic said.
"Brisbane provides households with standard recycling wheelie bins at no cost and repairs or replaces these as necessary.
"However, when residents choose to steal from council, ultimately every household pays."
Residents wanting bins repaired, replaced or removed should contact the council on 3403 8888.
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