The reasons we recycle are as diverse as they are compelling. Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report dives deep into these motivations, revealing not only why we do it but how we could do it better.

This year, our data reveals two main themes driving us to recycle; a genuine desire to help the environment and the practical benefits of saving or making money.

Environmental commitment

So, what’s the top reason we recycle? 75 per cent of us say it’s to help the environment. This is a significant shift from last year’s top reason ‘it’s the right thing to do’.

This change suggests Australians are now recognising the tangible impact our recycling efforts can have on the environment, rather than just following societal norms.

It’s encouraging to see the majority of Australians care deeply about recycling and are motivated by the difference their actions can make.

The power of incentives

When asked what would help Australians recycle more, 40 per cent of Australians answered incentives.

One familiar example is the Container Deposit Scheme, where Australians can receive 10c back for returning eligible drink containers such as cans and bottles. The scheme not only reduces litter, but keeps our recycling streams free from contamination, so our containers can be turned into new products within a circular economy.

Nearly half of Australians in eligible states say they have used a Container Deposit Scheme, with financial incentives being the biggest motivator, followed by wanting to benefit the environment.

Interestingly, the rebate for items from 10c to 20c would be the most motivating factor for increased participation according to participants of the survey.

Cost of living concerns

In our survey, the cost of living emerged as a higher concern than climate change, but recycling can offer benefits for both the environment and the hip-pocket.

About 60 per cent of people report they buy second-hand and 65 per cent sell second-hand goods rather than discarding them.

Additionally, 86 per cent of us use reusable shopping bags most or every time, which saves money too.

While some of our cost-saving actions can be counterproductive, such as buying cheaper items that may not be made from recyclable materials, it’s encouraging to see a widespread mindset of re-using and recycling among Australians.

Addressing labelling confusion

Confusion about recycling is another barrier that needs addressing, as indicated in our survey. Clearer product labelling and consistent information were two of three top factors that respondents indicated would help them recycle more. We encourage Australians to seek out reliable resources, always check before discarding of waste in kerbside bins, and stay updated with new recycling initiatives.

Cleanaway offers educational resources like the Greenius Learning Portal, and Recycling Hub with a glossary of common household items to help everyone recycle correctly and confidently.

By understanding and leveraging these motivations, we can enhance our recycling efforts, benefitting both the environment and our communities.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report

For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

Ordering takeaway food or meal deliveries comes with recycling challenges for many of us.

Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that many of us don’t know which bin to use for takeaway food packaging products.

Here’s what to do with common items once you’ve enjoyed your meal or drink.

Plastic containers

Our report found a quarter (27 per cent) of Australians are putting the clear plastic takeaway containers, which often contain meals such as noodles or curries, in the general waste bin, when they are in fact recyclable.

Even if these containers are split or cracked, they can still be placed in the recycling bin, as long as they are free from food.

By recycling these materials, we can play our role in closing the loop on the lifecycle of packaging materials and reduce our reliance on virgin plastics, or products that use greater environmental resources.

If the container differs from clear plastic takeaway packaging check with your local council to determine if that material is accepted in kerbside recycling.

Paper drink cup

Beverages that come in paper drink cups, such as soft drinks from fast food restaurants, are a challenge for more than half of us. It turns out 58 per cent incorrectly place these in the recycling bin, instead of general waste while just under a third of people know which bin is correct to use.

Coffee cups are another item that leaves us wondering.

Nearly half of Australians surveyed as part of our Recycling Behaviours Report are still placing takeaway coffee cups into the recycling bin. Similar to paper takeaway drink cups, coffee cups cannot be placed in the kerbside recycling bin, as the plastic lining in them means they can’t be recycled. We encourage people to bring a reusable coffee cup where possible instead of using disposable cups at all!

How clean does it need to be?

Do I rinse it? Do I need to wash it? Can I recycle it as-is?

We recommend rinsing containers to remove as much food as possible and have it reasonably dry before placing them in the bin with other recyclables.

Residual food waste, especially grease, can cause a material to become unrecyclable and lead to contamination so the simple step of a quick rinse is important. Food waste goes into the food organics bin if you have one in your area, otherwise you could start your own home compost.

By educating ourselves on how to recycle items that transport our takeaway, we can minimise our environmental impact and work towards a more sustainable future.

Visit Cleanaway’s Greenius Learning Portal to learn more on what can and can’t be put in your kerbside bins.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

‘Can this be recycled?’ is a question many of us have asked ourselves before putting something in the bin. Cleanaway’s recent Recycling Behaviors Report revealed many of us are stumped when it comes to proper waste disposal practices, with more than a quarter of us say we find recycling confusing, and 2 in 5 say clearer product labeling would help them to recycle more.

Understanding the codes

The easiest place to start is with the Plastic Identification Code system. Represented by a triangular symbol with a number inside, this code categorises plastics based on their chemical composition. Shockingly, our recent data revealed around 80 percent of people mistakenly identify this code as a recycling symbol.

These codes indicate the type of plastic used, aiding in sorting and recycling processes, as opposed to telling us it can be recycled. While Codes 1 and 2 are universally accepted in general recycling bins, the acceptance of other symbols varies depending on local councils. For example, Code 4 (LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene) indicates a soft plastic and is not accepted in kerbside recycling.

Read the fine print

When disposing of items, it’s crucial to not only recognise these symbols but to also read any accompanying text on packaging.

Certain materials, like aluminum cans, steel tins, rigid plastics, paper, cardboard, and glass that have held food or drink, are universally accepted in recycling bins. However, it’s important to never assume. Just because something is made from recycled material doesn’t guarantee it can be recycled again.

Consult your local council

If you’re unsure about recycling symbols or instructions, consult your local council for guidance. Their websites offer comprehensive information on recycling protocols, including accepted materials in your area.

Quick tips for recycling right

• Check for the recycling symbol: Look for the universal recycling symbol on packaging.
• Read labels: Packaging often provides instructions on how to dispose of different components.
• Know your plastics: Remember, only certain plastics (like Codes 1 and 2) are widely accepted.
• When in doubt, check: If you’re uncertain, your local council’s website can be a valuable resource.

By following these simple principles, you can make more informed choices that contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that 2 in 5 Australians don’t trust that their waste will be properly recycled and 18 per cent incorrectly believe that everything just goes to landfill (and therefore nothing is recycled).

We’re here to explain the process materials undergo at our facilities and the new life they can take on.

The contents of the commingled or recycling bin is taken by Cleanaway to sorting facilities called Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). There, items are separated by material – paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, steel, and aluminium.

Machinery such as optical scanners and conveyor belts are used alongside manual sorting by staff to separate different materials.

Once the sorting process is complete, the material is sent on to reputable onshore and offshore recyclers to be reused in manufacturing new products. Here, we explain what happens to each material, and the new life we can expect.

Paper recycling

Paper is shredded and mixed with water to create pulp, followed by de-inking, a process which removes ink from the original product. The pulp then goes on to be manufactured into new paper products.

You may have seen products such as printing paper, toilet paper, and cardboard packaging made from recycled materials available to purchase.

Plastic recycling

Plastics are shredded into pellets, which become the building blocks for new plastic items when used in the manufacture of new products.
Container Deposit Scheme’s across the country play a role contributing to ‘bottle to bottle’ recycling. The pellets, derived from the recycled bottles, are small plastic pieces that can be used to create new bottles from, such as those produced through Circular Plastics Australia (PET) a joint venture between Pact Group Holdings Ltd, Cleanaway, Asahi Beverages, Coca-Cola Euro-pacific Partners.

Aside from bottles, the pellets can also be turned into flakes where they can then produce other items such as polar fleece jackets and stationery.

Steel and aluminium recycling

You might have aluminium cans at home and wonder what happens when they’re placed into a recycling bin with plastics, or returned via a Container Deposit Scheme.

Steel can easily be sorted from other recyclable materials with the help of industrial-scale magnets at facilities. Steel can be melted down at high temperatures, and paint and coatings are removed. They then become processed into ingots, which are blocks of pure material.

The recycled aluminium and steel ingots could be turned into a new can, or even used to make parts for cars and aeroplanes.

Glass recycling

Glass is often the last material to remain on a recycling conveyor belt for a variety of reasons.

Lighter materials are generally sorted first and being denser than many other recyclables like plastic and paper, it is easier to handle glass later in the process. Furthermore, glass can break easily and pose a safety hazard to staff, so specialist equipment is required.

Once separated from other materials, glass items such as bottles and jars are crushed at facilities and undergo a cleaning process to remove labels, caps and remaining liquids.

The glass is then melted at a high temperature and can be formed into new products such as glass bottles with high-grade material, and road bases with lower-grade material.

Outcomes

The above are examples of closing the recycling loop and helping work toward a circular economy in Australia, where needing to use new virgin materials is avoided.

Cleanaway is a big contributor to resource recovery in Australia, and in the 2023 financial year, we have recovered 431 kilo tonnes (kt) of paper, and 32 kt of steel and aluminium.

To give you an idea of the scale of these amounts, 1 kilo tonne = 1,000,000 kilos, or the weight of two and a half large commercial airplanes, showing the power of recycling correctly to preserve precious resources and prevent materials ending up in landfill.

We can all play a part in ensuring recycling outcomes are maximised by putting items in the right bins and helping avoid contamination.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report

For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

In our quest to live sustainably, recycling has become an essential part of daily life. We dutifully separate paper from plastic and glass from metal, striving to be responsible recyclers.

However, despite our best efforts, some everyday items still leave us scratching our heads. According to Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report, over a quarter of us find recycling confusing and when asked about them, certain common items remain particularly perplexing.

To set the record straight, we uncovered five such items and shed light on the correct way to recycle or dispose of them.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are indispensable in modern life, but what do you do when it’s time for an upgrade? Surprisingly, our Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that almost a quarter of us don’t know that batteries and rechargeable devices, including mobile phones, shouldn’t go in kerbside bins.

These devices contain valuable materials like gold, silver and copper that can be extracted and reused. Proper recycling reduces waste, conserves precious resources, and prevents battery fires in waste facilities.

To recycle your old phone, visit major tech retailers like Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone. Alternatively, if you’re hoarding a few phones or tech items like laptops and tablets, use Mobile Muster’s free delivery service through Australia Post.

Takeaway coffee cups

For many, takeaway coffee cups are a morning necessity, but did you know they aren’t recyclable? According to the report, nearly half of Aussies mistakenly toss their cups in the recycling bin when they belong in general waste.

The paper exterior is often lined with plastic to stop the liquid seeping through. It’s very difficult for recycling facilities to separate the layers of the cup, which means it can’t be recycled. If placed in a recycling bin, it’ll be rejected as contaminated waste and go to landfill.

Always opt for your general waste bin, or better yet, switch to a reusable coffee cup to reduce your environmental impact and save yourself the confusion.

Soft plastics

Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, ice cream wrappers, pasta packets, and cling wrap, are commonly used but pose a significant recycling challenge. Unlike many types of hard plastics that can be recycled through our facilities, soft plastics require specialised processing. With 40 per cent of people unsure how to correctly dispose of soft plastics, the current advice is to place them in general waste.

In a recent development, Cleanaway has partnered with Viva Energy Australia to develop a sustainable solution for soft plastics. The joint venture hopes to provide a sustainable solution for soft plastics, helping food manufacturers and packaging specialists cater to the growing environmentally conscious market. It would also provide households and businesses with an alternative to sending these materials to landfill.

For now, opt for paper bags at the supermarket and avoid plastic-wrapped produce when you can.

Paint cans

Renovating your home often leaves you with a pile of paint cans. While the metal components are recyclable, leftover paint can contaminate groundwater and soil. This means the 17 per cent of Aussies placing them in general waste are making a mistake. To recycle paint cans, drop them off at local community recycling centres, check with your local council or visit a Paintback collection point to safely recycle of them.

Packing styrofoam

Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene foam, is commonly used in packaging to protect fragile items during shipping. Styrofoam is not recyclable and when disposed of incorrectly into commingled waste stream, it can break into small pieces that stick to paper and cardboard and cause further contamination.

However, local drop-off points that handle styrofoam recycling responsibly can be found through your local council. Processors can be used to melt down the material to create new products like outdoor furniture, decking, picture frames, and skirting boards.

By learning the correct way to recycle or dispose of everyday items, we can all make a sustainable future possible together.

To find out what other waste items you might be getting tripped up on, visit Cleanaway’s Greenius Learning Portal.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.