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To recycle plastics, apply the scrunch test. If it can be scrunched into a ball, it’s considered ‘soft plastic’ and cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Make sure these rigid plastics are clean, dry and free from residue before recycling. Check with your local council for the full list before recycling.
Most forms of paper, like newspapers, printer paper, and junk mail can be recycled. However, paper products like used kitchen towels, napkins and glossy wrapping paper are not recyclable and should go in general waste.
Most cardboard can be recycled, as long as not wet, water damaged or contaminated by food. Cartons, or liquid paperboard containers, are not always included so check before recycling. Always compact your cardboard before recycling to save space.
Glass bottles and jars are infinitely recyclable and can be reused in a wide variety of applications. However, drinking glasses and other kinds of glassware are made of different glass material and are not recyclable in the commingled bin. Glass bottles may also be recycled through container deposit schemes.
Aluminium and steel containers, such as food cans and empty beverage cans are recyclable. All metal containers should be empty of any leftovers before being placed in the bin.
Soft plastics like plastic bags and food wrappers cannot be recycled through the commingled recycling bin. Recycle at soft plastic drop-off locations such as supermarkets.
Food waste and other organic waste such as garden waste are not recyclable in your commingled recycling bin. Compost or dispose in the general waste bin.
Clothes and other textiles cannot be recycled through the commingled recycling bin. Donate textiles in good condition to charity or put them in the general waste bin.
Banana skins and other peels can be recycled in food and garden organics (FOGO) recycling bin. Dispose in your FOGO bin or compost wherever possible. Otherwise, place in your general waste bin.
Tree branches can be recycled in your organic waste bin as long as you can close the lid after. Break them down into smaller pieces if they don't fit or compost them.
Grass clippings can be placed directly in your organics recycling bin. If such a service is unavailable, consider composting or placing in your general waste bin.
Banana skins and other peels can be recycled in food and garden organics (FOGO) recycling bin. Dispose in your FOGO bin or compost wherever possible. Otherwise, place in your general waste bin.
Tree branches can be recycled in your organic waste bin as long as you can close the lid after. Break them down into smaller pieces if they don't fit or compost them.
Grass clippings can be placed directly in your organics recycling bin. If such a service is unavailable, consider composting or placing in your general waste bin.
To recycle plastics, apply the scrunch test. If it can be scrunched into a ball, it’s considered ‘soft plastic’ and cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Make sure these rigid plastics are clean, dry and free from residue before recycling. Check with your local council for the full list before recycling.
Most forms of paper, like newspapers, printer paper, and junk mail can be recycled. However, paper products like used kitchen towels, napkins and glossy wrapping paper are not recyclable and should go in general waste.
Most cardboard can be recycled, as long as not wet, water damaged or contaminated by food. Cartons, or liquid paperboard containers, are not always included so check before recycling. Always compact your cardboard before recycling to save space.
Glass bottles and jars are infinitely recyclable and can be reused in a wide variety of applications. However, drinking glasses and other kinds of glassware are made of different glass material and are not recyclable in the commingled bin. Glass bottles may also be recycled through container deposit schemes.
Aluminium and steel containers, such as food cans and empty beverage cans are recyclable. All metal containers should be empty of any leftovers before being placed in the bin.
Soft plastics like plastic bags and food wrappers cannot be recycled through the commingled recycling bin. Recycle at soft plastic drop-off locations such as supermarkets.
Food waste and other organic waste such as garden waste are not recyclable in your commingled recycling bin. Compost or dispose in the general waste bin.
Clothes and other textiles cannot be recycled through the commingled recycling bin. Donate textiles in good condition to charity or put them in the general waste bin.
Banana skins and other peels can be recycled in food and garden organics (FOGO) recycling bin. Dispose in your FOGO bin or compost wherever possible. Otherwise, place in your general waste bin.
Tree branches can be recycled in your organic waste bin as long as you can close the lid after. Break them down into smaller pieces if they don't fit or compost them.
Grass clippings can be placed directly in your organics recycling bin. If such a service is unavailable, consider composting or placing in your general waste bin.
Check with your council or service provider to confirm if an item is recyclable
If you’re not sure the item is recyclable, put it in general waste
Ensure recyclables are empty with no food residue before recycling
Never bag recycling. Always place recyclables loose in the bin
Recycling tricky items
Packing nuts
These cannot be recycled. Place them in your general waste/landfill bin.
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Juice cartons
Can be recycled, depending on location. Always check with your local council for the latest advice.
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Windowed envelopes
Can be recycled in your commingled bin as long as they are dry and have not been exposed to water.
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Black meat trays
Cannot be recycled in Australia as sorting equipment cannot identify them. Place this in your general waste/landfill bin.
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Plastic fruit punnets
These may be recyclable in certain locations. Check with your local council for the latest advice
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Deodorant roll-on
These can be recycled as long as completely empty.
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Aluminium foil
Can be recycled. Roll into ping-pong sized ball and place in an alu can.
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Bottle tops & lids
These can be recycled in certain locations. Check with your local council for the latest advice.
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Polystyrene and styrofoam
These cannot be recycled. Check with your local council for advice.
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Broken glass
Cannot be recycled. Place in your general waste bin.
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Batteries
Must be recycled as e-waste. Check with your local council for advice.
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Waxed paper and cardboard
Cannot be recycled. Place in your general waste bin.
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What can I recycle?
Putting the wrong item in your commingled recycling bin is contamination and can send a truck full of recyclable items to landfill. Our Recycling Hub is designed to answer the questions “What and how can I recycle”, clearing the confusion about things you can recycle in your kerbside bin.
Here you’ll find practical advice from how to recycle right to managing tricky items, and even items you didn’t know could be recycled, all on one convenient site. Check back often to discover new ways to recycle better and close the loop on waste.
Aerosol cans often contain flammable propellant that can turn them into fire risks. Depending on your location, completely empty aerosol cans can be recycled with their plastic caps and covers off in the commingled recycling bin. In Western Australia, aerosol cans are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and banned from the kerbside bin. However, these can be recycled at a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off point or event.
Aerosol cans should be treated as household hazardous waste and recycled appropriately. Check with your local council to learn more about Household Hazardous Waste drop-off points and events.
Never place any form of chemicals, including cleaning chemicals, in your bin. Contact your local council to find out where you can dispose of this safely.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Aluminium foil should be clean and free of contaminants such as food. These can be scrunched into a ball and placed into another aluminium container such as a food can for recycling.
Paint stripper and thinners are classified as household hazardous waste. Contact your local council to learn more about hazardous household waste drop-offs.
Building materials such as timber, concrete, plasterboard, vegetation and other materials should not be placed in household bins. Contact your local council to learn how to dispose of them before you begin your project.
Zinc sheets and other building materials do not belong in your commingled recycling or general waste bin. Check with your local council to learn how to dispose of them.
Motor oil and its containers cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Contact your local council to find the nearest drop off points for your used motor oil, filters and containers.
Polystyrene and styrofoam cannot be recycled through your commingled recycling bin. Contact your local council to see if a polystyrene recycling program is available.
Banana skins, like most other fruit peels, can be recycled and used in your home garden. They can be used straight away as compost or mulch, or turned into homemade liquid fertiliser, non-toxic pest repellant for plants, and as a slow-release fertiliser. Banana skins can also be recycled in most food waste bins.
Batteries should be never be placed in any of your kerbside bins due to its flammable nature, especially single-use type such as AAAA, single cell and 9V batteries. Instead, store in a cool and dry place pending recycling. Single-use batteries can be recycled at retail locations such as Aldi, Officeworks, and selected waste management transfer stations and facilities. Lithium-ion batteries, found in most laptops and smartphones, should be recycled as e-waste.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Black meat trays go into your general waste bin as recycling machines cannot sort them. Transparent or white meat trays may be recyclable in select locations, depending on its material. Contact your local council to learn more.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Black plant pots cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin as these are difficult to pick up by the sorting machinery. Depending on your council, certain locations may have access to a dedicated plant pot programme (Victoria and Western Australia). You can also check with nearby plant nurseries to see if they will take black plant pots in good condition. Otherwise, reuse pots in good condition or dispose of in general waste.
Never place any form of chemicals, including cleaning chemicals, in your bin. Contact your local council to find out where you can dispose of this safely.
Blister packs, especially medicinal ones, are usually comprised of a mix of plastic, aluminium and sometimes paper. This makes it very difficult to recycle in your kerbside bin and in most other recycling programs. However, some pharmacies in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland are currently trialling a medicinal blister pack recycling program. Check with your local pharmacy to see if these can be recycled in your location. Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin.
Expired or leftover medication cannot be put into your bins, but will be accepted at some community pharmacies and other locations. Contact your local council for safe disposal advice.
Aluminium foil trays can be recycled. Just ensure they're clean, dry and empty. However, foil packaging for crisp packages and similar material which are made of metallised plastic are not accepted.
To check, scrunch the material into a ball. If it stays in shape, it is aluminium foil and can be placed in your commingled bin. If it "bounces back" then it is plastic and should be placed in your general waste bin.
Cooking fats and oils are not recyclable NOR should you pour them down the drains. Allow them to cool before collecting them into a sealed container for disposal in your general waste bin.
Books in good conditions can be donated or passed on. Some locations will accept books in the commingled recycling bin. Otherwise, place it in your general waste bin. Contact your local council to confirm.
Bottle tops are recyclable in certain locations. If so, they should be collected in a separate container before being placed in your commingled recycling bin.
Check with your local council or service provider before recycling it.
Rigid plastic bottles, such as hand sanitisers, drinking water and shampoo bottles can all be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Remove the lids from the bottles and place them loose in your commingled recycling bin.
Rigid plastic containers such as shampoo and conditioner bottles can be recycled in your commingled recycling bin. Empty, rinse and dry before placing them in the bin.
Motor oil and its containers cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Contact your local council to find the nearest drop off points for your used motor oil, filters and containers.
Building materials such as timber, concrete, plasterboard, vegetation and other materials should not be placed in household bins. Contact your local council to learn how to dispose of them before you begin your project.
Zinc sheets and other building materials do not belong in your commingled recycling or general waste bin. Check with your local council to learn how to dispose of them.
Timber can be recycled through your council's bulk waste services depending on its condition and whether it's treated or untreated. Contact your local council to learn more.
Broken glass from glass bottles and jars may be recyclable in some locations. Always check with your local council before disposal. All other glassware are not recyclable and should be bagged and placed in your general waste bin.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Polystyrene and styrofoam cannot be recycled through your commingled recycling bin. Contact your local council to see if a polystyrene recycling program is available.
Black meat trays go into your general waste bin as recycling machines cannot sort them. Transparent or white meat trays may be recyclable in select locations, depending on its material. Contact your local council to learn more.
Building materials such as timber, concrete, plasterboard, vegetation and other materials should not be placed in household bins. Contact your local council to learn how to dispose of them before you begin your project.
Zinc sheets and other building materials do not belong in your commingled recycling or general waste bin. Check with your local council to learn how to dispose of them.
Cable ties, also known as zip ties, are often used to organise and bundle cables and wires. They are usually used only once and made from nylon. Due to their material and small size, they are unsuitable for recycling. Place used cable ties into the general waste bin. Donate or give away unused cable ties that are in good condition.
Electrical cables cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin. However, they can be recycled as e-waste or scrap metal, depending on your location. Check with your council to learn where you can drop these off.
Flatten clean and dry cardboard boxes before disposal in your commingled bin.
Wet or soiled cardboard cannot be recycled as these can contaminate the recyclables, so it must be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Shredded or torn cardboard are also not recyclable through the kerbside commingled as they are too small to be detected by our sorting machines. However, shredded cardboard and paper can be donated to the local pet shop to be used as bedding, used as mulch in the garden or mixed into a compost heap.
Cardboard and paper egg cartons are completely recyclable in your commingled bin. Make sure they are clean, dry and free from any food and egg stains before placing them in the bin.
Hard drives are e-waste and are not recyclable through your commingled recycling bin. Drop off these off at TechCollect collection points nationwide or contact your local council for advice.
CD and DVD cases are usually made out of a mixture of plastics that cannot be recycled through your kerbside commingled recycling bin. However, depending on location, certain Community Recycling Centres may accept them for recycling. Contact your local council to see if your local recycling centre accepts them. Otherwise, dispose of them in the general waste bin.
Electrical appliances such as kettles, microwaves, game consoles, lamps and others are recyclable but must be sent to an approved recycler. Contact your local council to learn more.
Ceramic and glass dinnerware such as plates and cups cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled recycling bin. They are often made up of different materials and composition which render them unsuitable for recycling. Glass crockery such as drinking glasses and plates in particular, have a different melting point compared to glass beverage containers, which can contaminate and landfill a batch of glass beverage container recyclables. If your dinnerware is in good condition, consider donating or repurposing them. Otherwise, place them in the general waste bin.
Ceramic items, especially cookware such as pots and pans cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin. Mixing them up with glass contaminates glass and renders the entire pile unusable, as ceramic cannot be remelted to form new glass or ceramic items. Instead, consider donating or repurposing ceramic items that are in good condition. Otherwise, wrap them in old newspapers and place them in the general waste bin.
Broken metal cutlery may be accepted in some locations, provided you place them inside similar containers before disposing in your commingled bins. Metal cutleries in good condition can be donated, sold or repurposed. Otherwise, contact your local council for more information.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Never place any form of chemicals, including cleaning chemicals, in your bin. Contact your local council to find out where you can dispose of this safely.
Black meat trays go into your general waste bin as recycling machines cannot sort them. Transparent or white meat trays may be recyclable in select locations, depending on its material. Contact your local council to learn more.
Clothing and other textiles cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Upcycle, donate or repurpose fabrics and textiles in good condition. Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin for disposal.
Waxed paper and cardboard cannot be recycled or composted as it usually comes with a layer of plastic that doesn't biodegrade. Place this in your general waste bin.
Check with the manufacturer to see if your used coffee pods and capsules can be recycled. Never put them into the commingled recycling bin, as these items are too small to be sorted and usually have leftover organic material. Place them in your general waste bin instead.
Check with the manufacturer to see if your used coffee pods and capsules can be recycled. Never put them into the commingled recycling bin, as these items are too small to be sorted and usually have leftover organic material. Place them in your general waste bin instead.
Flatten clean and dry cardboard boxes before disposal in your commingled bin.
Wet or soiled cardboard cannot be recycled as these can contaminate the recyclables, so it must be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Shredded or torn cardboard are also not recyclable through the kerbside commingled as they are too small to be detected by our sorting machines. However, shredded cardboard and paper can be donated to the local pet shop to be used as bedding, used as mulch in the garden or mixed into a compost heap.
Cooking fats and oils are not recyclable NOR should you pour them down the drains. Allow them to cool before collecting them into a sealed container for disposal in your general waste bin.
Timber can be recycled through your council's bulk waste services depending on its condition and whether it's treated or untreated. Contact your local council to learn more.
Clothing and other textiles cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Upcycle, donate or repurpose fabrics and textiles in good condition. Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin for disposal.
Ceramic items, especially cookware such as pots and pans cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin. Mixing them up with glass contaminates glass and renders the entire pile unusable, as ceramic cannot be remelted to form new glass or ceramic items. Instead, consider donating or repurposing ceramic items that are in good condition. Otherwise, wrap them in old newspapers and place them in the general waste bin.
Broken metal cutlery may be accepted in some locations, provided you place them inside similar containers before disposing in your commingled bins. Metal cutleries in good condition can be donated, sold or repurposed. Otherwise, contact your local council for more information.
Glass cookware lids cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin as these have a different composition and can ruin an entire batch of recyclable glass during the melting process. Glass cookware lids in good condition can be donated or reused elsewhere. Otherwise, place them in the general waste bin.
Perfume bottles and cosmetic glass jars are not recyclable due to their mixed glass nature. Disassembly, clean and make sure they free of any residue before placing these into your general waste bin. You may also check with your perfume or cosmetic seller if they will accept used packaging.
Broken metal cutlery may be accepted in some locations, provided you place them inside similar containers before disposing in your commingled bins. Metal cutleries in good condition can be donated, sold or repurposed. Otherwise, contact your local council for more information.
Empty, clean and dry ice cream tubs and containers made of plastic can be recycled in your commingled bin.
Cardboard ice cream containers are often layered with a thin plastic which may not be recyclable. Check with your local council for more information.
Degreasers can come in a variety of packaging, from aerosol spray cans to large bulk containers. These should never be disposed through your general waste bin, even if they are empty. Instead, you can drop them off at household hazardous waste drop off events. Depending on location and council, these may either be dedicated events or permanent drop-off locations. Contact your local council to learn more.
Aerosol cans often contain flammable propellant that can turn them into fire risks. Depending on your location, completely empty aerosol cans can be recycled with their plastic caps and covers off in the commingled recycling bin. In Western Australia, aerosol cans are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and banned from the kerbside bin. However, these can be recycled at a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off point or event.
Aerosol cans should be treated as household hazardous waste and recycled appropriately. Check with your local council to learn more about Household Hazardous Waste drop-off points and events.
Never place any form of chemicals, including cleaning chemicals, in your bin. Contact your local council to find out where you can dispose of this safely.
Made of rigid plastic, a completely empty and used roll-on deodorant can be recycled in your commingled bin. Remove lid before placing it loose in the bin.
Aerosol cans often contain flammable propellant that can turn them into fire risks. Depending on your location, completely empty aerosol cans can be recycled with their plastic caps and covers off in the commingled recycling bin. In Western Australia, aerosol cans are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and banned from the kerbside bin. However, these can be recycled at a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off point or event.
Aerosol cans should be treated as household hazardous waste and recycled appropriately. Check with your local council to learn more about Household Hazardous Waste drop-off points and events.
Rigid plastic containers like detergent bottles can be recycled in the commingled bin. Make sure to empty, clean, and separate the lid from the bottle before placing it into the bin.
Rigid plastic bottles, such as hand sanitisers, drinking water and shampoo bottles can all be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Remove the lids from the bottles and place them loose in your commingled recycling bin.
Rigid plastic containers such as shampoo and conditioner bottles can be recycled in your commingled recycling bin. Empty, rinse and dry before placing them in the bin.
Dish drying racks are usually composed of several materials, including stainless steel and plastic. This renders them unsuitable for recycling in your commingled bin. Completely metal drying racks may be recycled as white goods or as scrap metal, but check with council before disposal.
Broken metal cutlery may be accepted in some locations, provided you place them inside similar containers before disposing in your commingled bins. Metal cutleries in good condition can be donated, sold or repurposed. Otherwise, contact your local council for more information.
After using disposable face coverings and surgical masks, cut the ear loops. This prevents wildlife from getting entangled. Place your face coverings or surgical masks in a separate bag before disposing of it in your general waste bin. If the covering has touched any other recyclables such as cardboard and paper, those should go into the general waste bin as well.
Clothing and other textiles cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Upcycle, donate or repurpose fabrics and textiles in good condition. Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin for disposal.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Clothing and other textiles cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. Upcycle, donate or repurpose fabrics and textiles in good condition. Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin for disposal.
Rigid plastic containers such as shampoo and conditioner bottles can be recycled in your commingled recycling bin. Empty, rinse and dry before placing them in the bin.
Dry cleaning bags from the laundromat are made of soft plastics. These can be recycled through a soft plastic recycling scheme. If in doubt, contact your local council.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Cardboard and paper egg cartons are completely recyclable in your commingled bin. Make sure they are clean, dry and free from any food and egg stains before placing them in the bin.
Flatten clean and dry cardboard boxes before disposal in your commingled bin.
Wet or soiled cardboard cannot be recycled as these can contaminate the recyclables, so it must be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Shredded or torn cardboard are also not recyclable through the kerbside commingled as they are too small to be detected by our sorting machines. However, shredded cardboard and paper can be donated to the local pet shop to be used as bedding, used as mulch in the garden or mixed into a compost heap.
Foam boxes cannot be recycled in your commingled recycling bin. However, it may be recyclable in certain locations. Contact your local council to check.
Eggshells can be recycled in most food waste bins or mixed into compost. Scatter crushed eggshells around your plants to deter pests like slugs and snails. Bury crushed eggshells directly in the soil to give your plants a boost of calcium. Mostly-intact eggshells can also be used as small seedling pots.
Banana skins, like most other fruit peels, can be recycled and used in your home garden. They can be used straight away as compost or mulch, or turned into homemade liquid fertiliser, non-toxic pest repellant for plants, and as a slow-release fertiliser. Banana skins can also be recycled in most food waste bins.
Electrical appliances such as kettles, microwaves, game consoles, lamps and others are recyclable but must be sent to an approved recycler. Contact your local council to learn more.
Incandescent light bulbs and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin, as they contain hazardous materials. If your incandescent light fixture is broken, wrap carefully in old newspapers and place in your general waste bin. Otherwise, you can check with your local light shops to see if they have a light bulb recycling program. You can also contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Electrical cables cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin. However, they can be recycled as e-waste or scrap metal, depending on your location. Check with your council to learn where you can drop these off.
Depending on your location, small wooden branches and garden prunings may be recyclable. Contact your local council to learn more. Otherwise place them in your general waste bin.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Depending on your location, real flowers may be recycled as compost. Check with your local council to learn more.
Plastic flowers cannot be recycled and should be placed in the general waste bin.
Depending on your location, small wooden branches and garden prunings may be recyclable. Contact your local council to learn more. Otherwise place them in your general waste bin.
Fluorescent tubes and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin as they contain hazardous materials. Contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Incandescent light bulbs and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin, as they contain hazardous materials. If your incandescent light fixture is broken, wrap carefully in old newspapers and place in your general waste bin. Otherwise, you can check with your local light shops to see if they have a light bulb recycling program. You can also contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Foam boxes cannot be recycled in your commingled recycling bin. However, it may be recyclable in certain locations. Contact your local council to check.
Polystyrene and styrofoam cannot be recycled through your commingled recycling bin. Contact your local council to see if a polystyrene recycling program is available.
Flatten clean and dry cardboard boxes before disposal in your commingled bin.
Wet or soiled cardboard cannot be recycled as these can contaminate the recyclables, so it must be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Shredded or torn cardboard are also not recyclable through the kerbside commingled as they are too small to be detected by our sorting machines. However, shredded cardboard and paper can be donated to the local pet shop to be used as bedding, used as mulch in the garden or mixed into a compost heap.
Aluminium foil trays can be recycled. Just ensure they're clean, dry and empty. However, foil packaging for crisp packages and similar material which are made of metallised plastic are not accepted.
To check, scrunch the material into a ball. If it stays in shape, it is aluminium foil and can be placed in your commingled bin. If it "bounces back" then it is plastic and should be placed in your general waste bin.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Rigid plastic bottles, such as hand sanitisers, drinking water and shampoo bottles can all be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Remove the lids from the bottles and place them loose in your commingled recycling bin.
Most fresh milk, juice cartons and other tetrapak containers are made of liquid paperboard (LPB) and may be recycled in certain locations. Always empty, rinse and dry these cartons and containers before placing them in the bin. Check with your council for more information about the right way to dispose of this material.
Rigid plastic bottles, such as hand sanitisers, drinking water and shampoo bottles can all be recycled in your kerbside recycling bin. Remove the lids from the bottles and place them loose in your commingled recycling bin.
Wooden planks and furniture in good condition can be resold, donated or repurposed. Never put it in your commingled recycling bin. Contact your local council for more information to learn how to recycle this item.
Gardening tools such as shears and hoses do not belong in your commingled recycling bin. If in doubt, contact your local council to learn where you can dispose of them safely.
Gas cylinders, bottles and butane canisters are a potential fire risk. Swap out empty cylinders with the manufacturer, drop off at a council hazardous waste collection point or at a transfer station near you.
Aerosol cans often contain flammable propellant that can turn them into fire risks. Depending on your location, completely empty aerosol cans can be recycled with their plastic caps and covers off in the commingled recycling bin. In Western Australia, aerosol cans are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and banned from the kerbside bin. However, these can be recycled at a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off point or event.
Aerosol cans should be treated as household hazardous waste and recycled appropriately. Check with your local council to learn more about Household Hazardous Waste drop-off points and events.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Broken glass from glass bottles and jars may be recyclable in some locations. Always check with your local council before disposal. All other glassware are not recyclable and should be bagged and placed in your general waste bin.
Glass cookware lids cannot be recycled in your kerbside commingled bin as these have a different composition and can ruin an entire batch of recyclable glass during the melting process. Glass cookware lids in good condition can be donated or reused elsewhere. Otherwise, place them in the general waste bin.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Broken glass from glass bottles and jars may be recyclable in some locations. Always check with your local council before disposal. All other glassware are not recyclable and should be bagged and placed in your general waste bin.
Unless specifically requested by your council, always remove jars and lids from your containers, jars and cartons. Sort the lids by type (plastic in one pile, metal in another), then place them in a corresponding container before disposal.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Books in good conditions can be donated or passed on. Some locations will accept books in the commingled recycling bin. Otherwise, place it in your general waste bin. Contact your local council to confirm.
Clean wrapping papers can go into your commingled recycling bin except if they are made from foil or plastic. Small bits of wrapping paper cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Clean wrapping papers can go into your commingled recycling bin except if they are made from foil or plastic. Small bits of wrapping paper cannot be recycled and should be disposed of in your general waste bin.
Human and animal hair are organic materials and may be recycled as compost or placed in a FOGO bin. Contact your local council before you place them in the bin.
Hard drives are e-waste and are not recyclable through your commingled recycling bin. Drop off these off at TechCollect collection points nationwide or contact your local council for advice.
Batteries should be never be placed in any of your kerbside bins due to its flammable nature, especially single-use type such as AAAA, single cell and 9V batteries. Instead, store in a cool and dry place pending recycling. Single-use batteries can be recycled at retail locations such as Aldi, Officeworks, and selected waste management transfer stations and facilities. Lithium-ion batteries, found in most laptops and smartphones, should be recycled as e-waste.
Depending on your location, hot water bottles may be recyclable. Check with your local council to confirm. Otherwise, dispose in your general waste bin.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Never place any form of chemicals, including cleaning chemicals, in your bin. Contact your local council to find out where you can dispose of this safely.
Paint stripper and thinners are classified as household hazardous waste. Contact your local council to learn more about hazardous household waste drop-offs.
Empty, clean and dry ice cream tubs and containers made of plastic can be recycled in your commingled bin.
Cardboard ice cream containers are often layered with a thin plastic which may not be recyclable. Check with your local council for more information.
Incandescent light bulbs and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin, as they contain hazardous materials. If your incandescent light fixture is broken, wrap carefully in old newspapers and place in your general waste bin. Otherwise, you can check with your local light shops to see if they have a light bulb recycling program. You can also contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Fluorescent tubes and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin as they contain hazardous materials. Contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Insecticides and pesticides are classified as Hazardous Household Waste. They cannot go into your commingled recycling or general waste bin. Check with your local council to find out where you can send them for safe disposal.
Aerosol cans often contain flammable propellant that can turn them into fire risks. Depending on your location, completely empty aerosol cans can be recycled with their plastic caps and covers off in the commingled recycling bin. In Western Australia, aerosol cans are classified as Household Hazardous Waste and banned from the kerbside bin. However, these can be recycled at a Household Hazardous Waste drop-off point or event.
Aerosol cans should be treated as household hazardous waste and recycled appropriately. Check with your local council to learn more about Household Hazardous Waste drop-off points and events.
Leftover paint and empty paint containers can be recycled through Paintback. Do not dispose leftover paint and containers in your general waste or commingled recycling bins.
Single-component varnishes can be recycled through Paintback or household hazardous waste collection services and drop-offs. These should never be placed in your general waste or commingled recycling bins. If in doubt, contact your local council to learn where you can drop off your varnishes.
Clean, dry and empty glass jars can be recycled in most locations, but certain municipalities may require these items to be placed in a different bin. When in doubt, check with your local council.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
All kettles do not belong in your kerbside recycling bin. Electric kettles in particular, can become a fire hazard if improperly disposed. Most kettles contain metal elements that can be recovered for recycling. Consider upcycling or donating your old kettles instead of disposal. Traditional stovetop kettles can be dropped off at a metals recycling facility while electric kettles should go to a whitegoods facility. When in doubt, contact your local council for advice.
Human and animal hair are organic materials and may be recycled as compost or placed in a FOGO bin. Contact your local council before you place them in the bin.
Knitting needles made of unvarnished wood may be recycled in your commingled waste bin. However broken and knitting needles made of other materials should be placed in your general waste bin.
Depending on your location, small wooden branches and garden prunings may be recyclable. Contact your local council to learn more. Otherwise place them in your general waste bin.
Depending on your location, real flowers may be recycled as compost. Check with your local council to learn more.
Plastic flowers cannot be recycled and should be placed in the general waste bin.
Unless specifically requested by your council, always remove jars and lids from your containers, jars and cartons. Sort the lids by type (plastic in one pile, metal in another), then place them in a corresponding container before disposal.
Clean and dry glass bottles can be recycled in most locations, but some municipalities may require these items to be placed in a separate bin. Contact your local council to learn more.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Black meat trays go into your general waste bin as recycling machines cannot sort them. Transparent or white meat trays may be recyclable in select locations, depending on its material. Contact your local council to learn more.
Fluorescent tubes and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin as they contain hazardous materials. Contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Incandescent light bulbs and other light fixtures cannot be recycled in your commingled bin, as they contain hazardous materials. If your incandescent light fixture is broken, wrap carefully in old newspapers and place in your general waste bin. Otherwise, you can check with your local light shops to see if they have a light bulb recycling program. You can also contact your local council to learn where you can drop them off safely.
Rigid plastic containers like margarine and butter tubs can be recycled in your commingled bin. Make sure they are clean, empty and dry before placing them loose in the bin.
Rigid plastic containers like detergent bottles can be recycled in the commingled bin. Make sure to empty, clean, and separate the lid from the bottle before placing it into the bin.
Mattresses and mattress toppers cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be disposed through a hard waste collection or at selected drop-off points. Mattress toppers can also be repurposed into new cushions. Contact your local council for advice on safe disposal.
Black meat trays go into your general waste bin as recycling machines cannot sort them. Transparent or white meat trays may be recyclable in select locations, depending on its material. Contact your local council to learn more.
Lolly wrappers are soft plastics that cannot be recycled in your commingled bin. They can be recycled in certain supermarkets and other dropoff points. Contact your local council to learn more.
Aluminium foil trays can be recycled. Just ensure they're clean, dry and empty. However, foil packaging for crisp packages and similar material which are made of metallised plastic are not accepted.
To check, scrunch the material into a ball. If it stays in shape, it is aluminium foil and can be placed in your commingled bin. If it "bounces back" then it is plastic and should be placed in your general waste bin.
Expired or leftover medication cannot be put into your bins, but will be accepted at some community pharmacies and other locations. Contact your local council for safe disposal advice.
Empty, clean and dry ice cream tubs and containers made of plastic can be recycled in your commingled bin.
Cardboard ice cream containers are often layered with a thin plastic which may not be recyclable. Check with your local council for more information.
Aluminium foil trays can be recycled. Just ensure they're clean, dry and empty. However, foil packaging for crisp packages and similar material which are made of metallised plastic are not accepted.
To check, scrunch the material into a ball. If it stays in shape, it is aluminium foil and can be placed in your commingled bin. If it "bounces back" then it is plastic and should be placed in your general waste bin.
Depending on your location, hot water bottles may be recyclable. Check with your local council to confirm. Otherwise, dispose in your general waste bin.
Expired or leftover medication cannot be put into your bins, but will be accepted at some community pharmacies and other locations. Contact your local council for safe disposal advice.
Single-use mesh and fruit netting bags cannot be recycled through your commingled kerbside bin, as they are made of soft plastic and can get tangled in the sorting machinery. Instead, upcycle and use them as crafts . Otherwise, place them in your general waste bin.
Metal ring lids and pull tabs for food tins and drinks can be placed in your commingled recycling bin. Give them a quick rinse to remove any food stains and then place it back either into the same metal can or in a similar metal container. Be careful handling these lids as the edges may be sharp.
Old, broken or disused microwaves cannot be simply disposed of as they contain electronic components that can cause fires in the truck or facility. Instead, treat them like whitegoods and either drop them off at an approved whitegoods drop-off or contact your local council for guidance.
Hard drives are e-waste and are not recyclable through your commingled recycling bin. Drop off these off at TechCollect collection points nationwide or contact your local council for advice.