Fluorescent Light Globes

Compact fluorescent tubes and globes (CFLs) contain mercury and should be disposed of correctly. Globes cannot be recycled through the yellow bin system, however by dropping them of at the Resource Recovery Centre they can be recycled through other methods. For more information on the centre click here. If you are unable to visit the RRC then CFLs can be placed in the red lidded waste bin as a last resort, but only after wrapping in paper to avoid breakages.

Cleaning up broken CFL light bulbs containing mercury

The short-term nature of the potential exposure to mercury (particularly after effective clean-up of broken CFL material) does not constitute a significant health risk to exposed adults, pregnant women or children. By following these instructions for clean-up and disposal as a cautionary approach, it will help to further reduce any risks:

• First, open nearby windows and doors to allow the room to ventilate for 15 minutes before cleaning up the broken light bulb. Turn off air conditioning or heating equipment which could recirculate mercury vapours back into the room.
• Use disposable rubber gloves rather than bare hands.
• Do not use a vacuum cleaner or broom on hard surfaces because this can spread the contents of the light bulb and contaminate the cleaner. Instead, scoop up broken material (e.g. using stiff paper or cardboard) if possible into a glass container which can be sealed with a metal lid.
• Use a disposable brush to carefully sweep up the pieces.
• Wipe up any remaining glass fragments or powders using sticky tape, a damp cloth or damp paper.
• On carpets or fabrics, carefully remove as much glass or powdered material as possible using a scoop and sticky tape. If vacuuming is needed to remove residual material you will need to discard the vacuum bag or thoroughly wipe clean the vacuum cleaner canister afterwards.
• Finally, dispose of any clean-up equipment such as gloves, brush, damp paper and sealed containers containing pieces of broken light bulb in your outside rubbish bin—never in your recycling bin.

  While not all of the recommended clean-up and disposal equipment described above may be available (particularly a suitably sealed glass container) it is important to remember to remove broken CFL and clean-up materials to an outside rubbish bin (preferably sealed) as soon as possible. This will reduce the potential contamination indoors.

Bulky Polystyrene

  Most bulky polystyrene (officially called Expanded Polystyrene) used for packaging or fruit boxes can be bought into Council’s Resource Recovery Centre for free. It must be clean, not waxed and all sticky tape must be removed. The polystyrene is compressed on-site and sold for use in new items such as outdoor furniture. For more information about the centre including location and opening hours visit our Resource Recovery Centre page.

Polystyrene Foam Meat Trays

Foam meat trays can be recycled through the yellow bin system. Other forms of Polystyrene cannot be recycled through the yellow bin system. Bulky polystyrene (officially called Expanded Polystyrene) used for packaging or fruit boxes can be bought into Council’s Resource Recovery Centre for free. It must be clean, not waxed and all sticky tape must be removed. The polystyrene is compressed on-site and sold for use in new items such as outdoor furniture. For more information about the centre including location and opening hours visit our Resource Recovery Centre page.

Food Waste

Food scraps and waste can be disposed of in the red lidded general waste bin. Alternatively you could use a home compost system or worm farm to deal with food waste. The average NSW household throws out 315kg of food waste per year. This equates to about 38% of your kerbside garbage bin and costs about $1036 in wasted food. When wasted food is thrown away and breaks down in landfill it generates methane, a major greenhouse gas and contributor to climate change. The NSW government has started the ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ program which provides information on food waste as well as hints and tips for buying and storing food to prevent waste. For more information visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

Food Waste

Food scraps and other food waste can be disposed of in the red lidded general waste bin. Alternatively you could use a home compost system or worm farm to deal with food waste. The average NSW household throws out 315kg of food waste per year. This equates to about 38% of your kerbside garbage bin and costs about $1036 in wasted food. When wasted food is thrown away and breaks down in landfill it generates methane, a major greenhouse gas and contributor to climate change. The NSW government has started the ‘Love Food, Hate Waste’ program which provides information on food waste as well as hints and tips for buying and storing food to prevent waste. For more information visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.nsw.gov.au.

Furniture

Furniture can be donated to local charities or taken to the Resource Recovery Centre. For more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.