The fire crew was called to a bin on the waterfront walkway near the Esplanade Hotel just after 6pm last night.

Batemans Bay Fire and Rescue Captain, Paul Lyons, said the fire was extinguished within 30 seconds, but crews couldn't identify a cause for the fire.

"It could have been a cigarette, it could have been deliberately lit, but obviously someone has put something in there that was on fire," he said.

"Bin fires aren't overly common around here, but people should always be mindful of what they're putting in the bin, particularly if it's a cigarette."

Mr Lyons said the bin was mostly destroyed, and Eurobodalla Shire Council would "probably have to install a new one".