Aerosol Cans

Empty aerosol cans can be recycled. Simply remove the plastic lid section and place in the yellow lidded bin. As they can potentially cause a safety risk aerosol cans must be completely empty before they can be placed in the recycling bin.

Aluminium Cans

Empty Aluminium Cans are recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin. Aluminium can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality. More importantly recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy it would take to make a can from scratch using bauxite. In fact every single can recycled saves enough electricity to power a TV for about 3 hours! So ensure that you always place aluminium cans into the recycling bin and remember if you are out and about and there are no public recycling bins, collect your cans and take them home to recycle.

Aluminium Foil (Clean)

Clean aluminium foil is recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin. Aluminium products can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality. More importantly recycling aluminium products saves 95% of the energy it would take to make the same product from scratch using bauxite. Aluminium Foil is also a great alternative to plastic wraps for use in the kitchen.

Aluminium Foil - Soiled

Aluminium foil is a recyclable product, unfortunately if it is contaminated by large amounts of food waste then it cannot go through the recycling plant. If aluminium foil is contaminated simply place it in your red lidded general waste bin.

Aluminium Foil Trays (Clean)

Clean aluminium foil trays are recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin.

Aluminium products can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality. More importantly recycling aluminium products saves 95% of the energy it would take to make the same product from scratch using bauxite.

Soiled Aluminium Foil Trays

Aluminium foil trays are a recyclable product, unfortunately if they are contaminated by large amounts of food waste then they cannot go through the recycling plant.

If aluminium foil trays are contaminated simply place them in your red lidded general waste bin.

Animal Droppings

All animal droppings should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin.

Disposal of Asbestos Materials

Asbestos is a hazardous waste and must be disposed of correctly at a licensed site. Asbestos fibres are hazardous when inhaled and can be released into the air when asbestos products are incorrectly handled, stored or transported for disposal. It is important to ensure that asbestos waste has been wetted and sealed in heavy-duty plastic prior to transportation. Asbestos materials are described as either ‘bonded’ or ‘friable’. Both types of material can be disposed of at specialised sites in the Midcoast area, however there are different requirements for these products. Bonded asbestos material means any material (other than friable asbestos material) that contains asbestos. Bonded asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Common uses for bonded asbestos in buildings include flat (fibro) corrugated or compressed asbestos cement sheets, water, drainage / flue pipes and floor tiles. If fire, hail or water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material. Friable asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friable asbestos was not commonly used in the home, it was mainly used in industrial applications. Friable asbestos should only be removed by a specialised asbestos removal contractor with a friable asbestos licence. Licenced contractors can be found in the Yellow Pages under Asbestos Removal and/or Treatment. Residents within the Wingecarribee Shire can dispose of asbestos at the Resource Recovery Centre, however they must ensure that they follow all guidelines listed below. General Guidelines: Any product suspected of being asbestos will be treated as asbestos unless the customer can provide proof that it is not asbestos. This includes fibreboard or fibrous cement. Proof can be in the form of a Hygienists Report, labelling on the product, or supplier’s documentation for that product. Dropping Asbestos at the RRC: Asbestos can only be deposited at the RRC under the following conditions: 1. The presence of asbestos must be disclosed at the gatehouse on entry 2. Asbestos must be presented as either: a. Packages (wrapped in plastic)

• must be no heavier than 20kg and able to be handled by 2 people
• Must be double-wrapped in approved 200UM impermeable heavy duty plastic, or inside an asbestos bag, sealed with duct tape to ensure no asbestos escapes

b. Hazibags

• Hazibags are available in sizes: 100L, 1m3, 1.5m3 and 3m3.
• As they have lifting handles, these bags can be lifted using a forklift at the RRC
• Hazibags – Leaflet

3. There must be no evidence of asbestos on the outside of the packaging Asbestos as a Contaminant: If asbestos is found to have been unloaded, as a contaminant of another waste type: 1. A flat rate Rejection Fee will be charged 2. An hourly fee will be applied for cleanup and decontamination of plant and equipment If you require further information contact the Resource Recovery Centre.  

Batteries (Household)

Batteries are a hazardous waste and need to be disposed of correctly, it is best that they not be placed in household bins if it can be avoided.

There are a wide range of battery types all of which contain dangerous chemicals including cadmium, mercury, lead, magnesium and zinc. If sent to landfill these materials can leak and contaminate soil and groundwater. Batteries can be dropped off at the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here. Planet Ark and Aldi supermarkets have also recently joined together to start a household battery recycling program. Residents can drop off household batteries at any Australian ALDI store free of charge. For more information on the program visit their website.  

Batteries (Vehicle)

Used car batteries, as well as other used lead-acid batteries are hazardous waste and should be disposed of appropriately.  

Beer Bottles

Empty beer bottles can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. Glass bottles and jars can be recycled via your regular kerbside collection. Other types of glass including drinking glasses, ceramics, plate glass and pyrex cannot be placed in your yellow recycling bin and should instead be placed in your red general waste bin. Preparing glass bottles and jars for recycling:

• Remove lids or caps.
• Empty all glass bottles and jars of food waste. To help conserve water ensure you wash bottles and jars in used washing up water.
• You do not need to remove labels from bottles or jars.

Bones (Food Waste)

Bones and other food waste should be placed directly into your red general waste bin.

Books

Books can be placed in your yellow lidded recycling bin.

If books are in good condition they can also be donated to local charities and service organisations.

Glass Bottles

Glass bottles and jars can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. While Glass bottles and jars can be recycled in your kerbside collection other types of glass including drinking glasses, ceramics, plate glass and pyrex cannot be recycled and should instead be placed in your red general waste bin. Preparing glass bottles and jars for recycling:

• Remove lids or caps.
• Empty all glass bottles and jars of food waste. To help conserve water ensure you wash bottles and jars in used dishwater.
• You do not need to remove labels from bottles or jars.

Plastic Bottles

Rigid plastic bottles can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Plastic Bottle Lids

Lids from plastic bottles should be removed and placed in the general waste bin. Lids should be removed for several reasons:

• The majority of bottle lids are made from a different plastic type than the bottles themselves. This can cause difficulties while recycling.
• To ensure that bottles are empty of all materials that could potential cause automated systems to misidentify the bottle or contaminate other recyclable items.
• Plastic lids are too small to recover with current technologies.

Cardboard Boxes

Cardboard boxes can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. It is best to ensure that they are collapsed down so that they do not take up excessive room and cannot be caught in machinery at the recycling facility. Waxed Cardboard, like those used for fruit, cannot be recycled.

Branches and Offcuts

Small branches (up to 15cm in diameter) can be placed into your green lidded garden organics bin.

Food Waste

Bread and other food waste should be placed directly into your red general waste bin. Food Waste can also be composted at home using a compost bin or worm farm.

Bubble Wrap

Bubble wrap should be placed directly into your red lidded waste bin. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

Building Materials

Building materials can often be reused so it is important to take them to the correct facility. They can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here. Also for additional information on certain materials or to look for other drop off points visit http://businessrecycling.com.au/.

Aluminium and Steel Cans

Empty Aluminium and Steel cans are recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin. Aluminium can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality. More importantly recycling aluminium saves 95% of the energy it would take to make a can from scratch while recycling steel cans save 75% of the energy. So ensure that you always place aluminium and steel cans into the recycling bin and remember if you are out and about and there are no public recycling bins, collect your cans and take them home to recycle.

Car Parts

Car and auto parts should never be placed in any domestic (kerbside) bins. Cars are composed of many useful parts that can reused. Buying and selling second hand car parts reduces the need for new parts to be manufactured and prevents unwanted car bodies from becoming obsolete and valuable resources going to waste. They can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre. For more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here. Many scrap metal merchants and mechanics will also take car parts. For more information on other locations where car parts can be disposed of visit http://businessrecycling.com.au/.

Cardboard

Cardboard can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. It is best to ensure that it is collapsed down so that it does not take up excessive room and cannot be caught in machinery at the recycling facility.

Waxed Cardboard

  Waxed cardboard boxes are often used for transporting fresh produce. Because of the wax coating they are unsuitable for recycling through the yellow bin system. Waxed cardboard should be placed in the red general waste bin. Alternatively if you have a compost bin at home it can also be composted.

Greeting Cards

Gift cards made of paper or cardboard materials can be disposed of in the yellow lidded recycle bin.

Carpet and Underlay Products

Carpet, underlay and other building materials should never be placed in any domestic (kerbside) bins. These items can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.  

Printer Cartidges

Printer cartridges should not be placed into any of your domestic (kerbside) bins. Printer cartridges contain a variety of chemicals which can cause contamination if sent to landfill. They also contain valuable materials such as metals, plastics and inks that can be recovered for reuse. Household quantities of cartridges can be retuned as part of the 'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' program. To find your closest drop of point visit http://cartridges.planetark.org/.

Cassette and VHS Tapes

Cassette and VHS tapes should be disposed of in your red general waste bin. While these types of tapes contain a plastic casing, placing them in the recycling bin can cause issues at the Materials Recovery Facility as the tape inside can become wrapped around machinery.

Cellophane

Cellophane should be placed directly into your red lidded waste bin. Soft plastics such as cellophane can often have a plastic identification code on them which closely resembles the recycling symbol; however they cannot be recycled through the yellow lidded bin in this area regardless of the symbol. This is because recycling soft plastics require specialised equipment that is not available in this region. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

Ceramic Products

Ceramic products are not recyclable and need to be placed into your red lidded general waste bin. Alternatively if ceramic products are not broken they can be donated to local charities.

Cereal Box Linings

The plastic lining inside cereal boxes should be placed directly into your red lidded general waste bin. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

Cereal Boxes

Cardboard cereal boxes can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. It is best to ensure that they are collapsed down so that they do not take up excessive room and cannot be caught in machinery at the recycling facility.

Hazardous Chemicals and Storage Containers

Chemicals and chemical drums are considered hazardous waste and can cause danger if they are placed in any of the domestic (kerbside) bins. These and other wastes are accepted at the Chemical CleanOut held once a year at Council's Works Depot, normally in April. For more information or advice regarding chemicals and problem wastes, please call the EPA Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au. Some agricultural and veterinary chemicals may be eligible for ChemClear. Call 1800 008 182 or visit www.chemclear.com.au for details.

Cigarette Butts

Cigarette butts contain hazardous chemicals such as cadmium, arsenic and lead so they need to be disposed of correctly. Cigarette butts should be placed in the red general waste bin. Butts should never be littered as they can cause damage to the local environment.

Cling Wrap

Cling Wrap should be placed directly into your red lidded general waste bin. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

Damaged Clothing and Shoes

Damaged clothing and shoes can be disposed of in the red general waste bin.

Clothing and Shoes

Clothing and shoes which are still in wearable condition can be donated to local charities.

Electronic Waste

Computers and E-waste should not be placed in domestic (kerbside) bins. Computers and other electronic waste is Australia’s fastest growing form of waste. Computers, televisions, mobile phones and other forms of e-waste contain both toxic/hazardous materials as well as non-renewable resources such as tin, gold, nickel, zinc and copper. It is therefore important that they are disposed of correctly so that valuable resources are not lost. Under the national television and computer recycling scheme every company that makes or imports computers into Australia is required to pay for the end of life recycling of these products. As part of this scheme you can drop off computers at the Resource Recovery Centre, however you must ensure you follow the below guidelines. Dropping eWaste at the RRC: 1. Free Disposal – Conditions: Domestic quantities only – limit 5 major items. More than 5 items require prior approval by RRC management. Items able to be dropped off for free include:  

• Computers including Desktops/Towers, Laptops / Notebooks, PDAs / Tablets, all other computers
• Televisions – unbroken
• Printers & Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs)
• Computer Peripherals including Power supplies, Adaptors & UPS Cables, Parts & Accessories
• Monitors & Projectors including: Unbroken CRT Monitors & Projectors LCD / Flat panel Monitors

2. Disposal Charges apply for:

• Hazardous waste, including CRTs that have been removed from their cases, or CRTs that are cracked or broken, and batteries that are not an integral part of the system being recycled
• DVD Players and VCRs
• Set Top Boxes
• Vacuum Cleaners
• Other kitchen and household appliances such as microwaves and vacuum cleaners
• Packaging and other materials
• Products contaminated or suspected of being contaminated with chemicals, biological agents, or other substances that are not integral to the original new equipment or otherwise associated with normal office or household environments

Building Materials

Concrete and other building materials can often be reused so it is important to take them to the correct facility. They can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here. Also for further information on disposing of other building materials or to look for other drop off points visit http://businessrecycling.com.au/

Crockery

All crockery products should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin. Crockery products are not recyclable. However unbroken crockery products can be donated to local charities or taken to the tip shop for resale.

Metal Cutlery & Utensils

Metal cutlery products should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin. Metal cutlery products are not recyclable as they have the possibility of causing damage to the recycling equipment at the Materials Recovery Facility. However undamaged cutlery products can be donated to local charities or taken to the tip shop for resale.

Plastic Cutlery

Plastic cutlery products should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin. Plastic cutlery is not recyclable as they are oddly shaped and often too small to recover with current technologies.

Egg Cartons

Egg cartons, like other cardboard products can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Electrical Appliances

Many electrical appliances can contain hazardous or toxic materials as well as non-renewable resources. Therefore electrical appliances should be disposed of correctly by being dropped off at the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.

Envelopes

Envelopes can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. This includes envelopes with the clear window on the front.

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.

Garden Hose

Garden hoses should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin. Garden hoses are not recyclable and should never be placed in your yellow lidded recycling bin. They can become wrapped around the machinery and cause issues at the Materials Recovery Facility.

Garden Waste

Garden waste such as leaves, flowers, offcuts, grass clippings and small braches can be placed directly in the green lidded garden organics bin.

Gas Bottles

Gas bottles contain dangerous liquids which can create safety issues so they should be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre, for more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here. Gas bottles should never be placed in the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Glad Wrap

Glad wrap and other soft plastics such as sandwich bags should be placed directly into your red lidded waste bin. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

Glass

Glass such as drinking glasses, window panes, pyrex, plate glass etc should be placed into the red lidded general waste bin or taken to the Resource Recovery Centre. These forms of glass are hardened and contain different materials than glass bottles and jars so cannot be placed in the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Glass Bottles and Jars

Empty glass bottles and jars can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin. Glass bottles and jars can be recycled via your regular kerbside collection. Other types of glass including drinking glasses, ceramics, plate glass and pyrex cannot be placed in your yellow recycling bin and should instead be placed in your red general waste bin. Preparing glass bottles and jars for recycling:

• Remove lids or caps.
• Empty all glass bottles and jars of food waste. To help conserve water ensure you wash bottles and jars in used dishwater.
• You do not need to remove labels from bottles or jars.

Prescription Glasses

Prescription glasses are expensive and often need to be updated regularly. Unwanted glasses can be donated to a variety of charities and they are then sent to communities where they can make a huge difference to people living in less fortunate circumstances. To donate your glasses talk to your local optometrist or service club (Rotary, Lions Clubs etc) who may collect them or post them for free in a padded bag to: PersonalEYES Donate Glasses Reply Paid 301 Parramatta NSW 2124 http://www.personaleyes.com.au/donate-glasses

Garden Waste

Garden waste such as grass clippings should be placed directly in the green lidded garden organics bin.

Greeting Cards

Gift cards made of paper or cardboard materials can be disposed of in the yellow lidded recycle bin.

Garden Hose

Garden hoses should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin. Garden hoses are not recyclable and should never be placed in your yellow lidded recycling bin. They can become wrapped around the machinery and cause issues at the Materials Recovery Facility.

Household Chemicals and Cleaners

Household Chemicals are considered hazardous waste and can cause danger if they are placed in any of the domestic (kerbside) bins. These and other wastes are accepted at the Chemical CleanOut held once a year at Council's Works Depot, normally in April. For more information or advice regarding chemicals and problem wastes, please call the EPA Environment Line on 131 555 or visit www.epa.nsw.gov.au. Some agricultural and veterinary chemicals may be eligible for ChemClear. Call 1800 008 182 or visit www.chemclear.com.au for details.  

Hypodermic Needles

Hypodermic needles are considered a hazardous waste and can be extremely dangerous if placed in any domestic bins. If you have a medical condition that requires their use ensure that you dispose of them correctly. Talk to your local pharmacy or visit www.safesharps.org.au to find a disposal site near you.

Ice Cream Containers

Ice cream containers and lids can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycle bin. Like all recyclables it is best for the materials to be as clean as possible. To avoid wasting water it is best to wash recyclable items in old washing up water after finishing your dishes.

Juice Cartons

Juice cartons can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Junk Mail

Junk mail can be placed directly into the yellow lidded recycling bin.

Kitty Litter and Animal Waste

Kitty Litter should be disposed of directly into the red lidded general waste bin.

Garden Waste

Garden waste such as leaves can be placed directly in the green lidded garden organics bin.

Magazines

Magazines are recyclable and can be placed straight into your yellow lidded recycling bin.

Mattresses

Old mattresses contain many components such as scrap metal and wood which can be reused. Mattresses can be disposed of at the Resource Recovery Centre where they will then be sent away for recovery of reusable materials.  

Polystyrene Foam Meat Trays

Foam or Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) materials cannot be collected in the Council recycling service through the yellow lidded bin and should instead be placed in the red lidded general waste bin.  

Plastic Meat Trays

Rigid Plastic meat trays (those which are not foam and cannot be ‘squished’) are recyclable and can be placed into your yellow lidded recycling bin. For health and safety reasons and to ensure recycling isn’t contaminated the containers need to be as clean as possible. To prevent wasting water it is best to wash up containers in old washing up water after finishing the dishes.

Nappies

Nappies and other sanitary items should be placed directly into your red lidded waste bin.

Hypodermic Needles

Hypodermic needles are considered a hazardous waste and can be extremely dangerous if placed in any domestic bins. If you have a medical condition that requires their use ensure that you dispose of them correctly. Talk to your local pharmacy or visit www.safesharps.org.au to find a disposal site near you.

Newspaper

Newspaper is recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin.

Paint Tins

Paint tins whether empty, dry or still containing liquid paint should never be placed in your domestic bins. Paint tins can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre.

Paper Products

Paper is recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin.

Pizza Boxes

Pizza boxes are made of cardboard and can be recycled in the yellow lidded bin. In the past pizza boxes in the recycling was discouraged, however advancements in technology mean that this has changed and you can recycle pizza boxes even if they contain an oily residue. Simply ensure that you eat all the pizza and do not leave any scraps in the box.

Garden Waste

Plant cuttings (less than 15cms in diameter) can be placed into your green lidded garden organics bin.

Plastic Bags

Currently Australian’s use more than 10 million single use plastic bags per day. Plastic bags are not recyclable through the yellow bin system. In fact placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages. However they can be taken back to the supermarket and placed in the special plastic bag bin usually located at the front of the store. If you need to get rid of plastic bags at home you can also place them in your red lidded bin. If possible it is best to reduce plastic bag use by ensuring that you always take reusable bags with you to the supermarket.

Plastic Wrappers

Soft plastic wrappers should be placed directly into your red lidded waste bin. Soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrappers, can often have a plastic identification code on them that closely resembles the recycling symbol; however they cannot be recycled through the yellow lidded bin in this area regardless of the symbol. Placing soft plastics such as plastic bags and wrap into the recycling bin can also cause issues in the Materials Recovery Facility as they wrap around machinery and cause blockages.

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.

Pyrex

Pyrex containers and cookware are a specialised harden glass that contains different elements then the glass found in bottles and jars. Because of this Pyrex products cannot be recycled and should be placed in the red lidded general waste bin.

Scrap Metal

Scrap metal should not be placed into any of the kerbside domestic bins. Scrap metal items can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre. For more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.  

Spectacles

Prescription glasses are expensive and often need to be updated regularly. Unwanted glasses can be donated to a variety of charities and they are then sent to communities where they can make a huge difference to people living in less fortunate circumstances. To donate your glasses talk to your local optometrist or service club (Rotary, Lions Clubs etc) who may collect them or post them for free in a padded bag to: PersonalEYES Donate Glasses Reply Paid 301 Parramatta NSW 2124 http://www.personaleyes.com.au/donate-glasses

Scrap Steel

Scrap steel should not be placed into any of the kerbside domestic bins. Scrap steel items can be returned to the Resource Recovery Centre. For more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.  

Steel Cans

Empty steel cans are recyclable and can be placed directly into your yellow lidded recycling bin. Aluminium can be recycled infinitely without any loss of quality. More importantly recycling steel saves 75% of the energy it would take to make a can from scratch. So ensure that you always place steel cans into the recycling bin and remember if you are out and about and there are no public recycling bins, collect your cans and take them home to recycle.

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.

Syringes

Syringes are considered a hazardous waste and can be extremely dangerous if placed in any domestic bins. If you have a medical condition that requires their use ensure that you dispose of them correctly. Talk to your local pharmacy or visit www.safesharps.org.au to find a disposal site near you.

Televisions and Electronic Waste

Televisions and other E-waste should not be placed in domestic (kerbside) bins. Televisions and other electronic waste is Australia’s fastest growing form of waste. Computers, televisions, mobile phones and other forms of e-waste contain both toxic/hazardous materials as well as non- renewable resources such as tin, gold, nickel, zinc and copper. It is therefore important that they are disposed of correctly so that valuable resources are not lost. Under the national television and computer recycling scheme every company that makes or imports computers into Australia is required to pay for the end of life recycling of these products. As part of this scheme you can drop off computers at the Resource Recovery Centre, however you must follow the below guidelines. Dropping eWaste at the RRC: 1. Free Disposal – Conditions: Domestic quantities only – limit 5 major items. More than 5 items require prior approval by RRC management. Items able to be dropped off for free include:  

• Computers including Desktops/Towers, Laptops / Notebooks, PDAs / Tablets, all other computers
• Televisions – unbroken
• Printers & Multi-Functional Devices (MFDs)
• Computer Peripherals including Power supplies, Adaptors & UPS Cables, Parts & Accessories
• Monitors & Projectors including: Unbroken CRT Monitors & Projectors LCD / Flat panel Monitors

2. Disposal Charges apply for:

• Hazardous waste, including CRTs that have been removed from their cases, or CRTs that are cracked or broken, and batteries that are not an integral part of the system being recycled
• DVD Players and VCRs
• Set Top Boxes
• Vacuum Cleaners
• Other kitchen and household appliances such as microwaves and vacuum cleaners
• Packaging and other materials
• Products contaminated or suspected of being contaminated with chemicals, biological agents, or other substances that are not integral to the original new equipment or otherwise associated with normal office or household environments

 

Garden Waste

Tree prunings up to 15cm in diameter can be placed in the green lidded organics bin.

Tyres

Tyres should never be placed in any of your kerbside domestic bins. Waste tyres are a major environmental concern with approximately 18 million waste tyres generated in Australia each year. Tyres are a valuable source of rubber that can be re-used to prevent litter, avoid fire hazards, save energy and prevent against environmental contamination. Waste Tyres can be dropped off at the following locations:

Greater Taree Residents

• Buckett’s Way Landfill

Great Lakes Residents

• Tuncurry Waste Management Centre
• Bulahdelah Resource Recovery and Waste Transfer Station
• Tea Gardens Landfill and Recycling Centre
• Stroud Landfill and Recycling Centre

Gloucester Residents

• Gloucester Landfill

  For more information on any of the drop off points visit our facilities page.

Waxed Cardboard

Waxed cardboard boxes are often used for transporting fresh produce. Because of the wax coating they are unsuitable for recycling through the yellow bin system. Waxed cardboard should be placed in the red general waste bin. Alternatively if you have a compost bin at home it can also be composted.

Whitegoods

Whitegoods should be disposed of at the Resource Recovery Centre. For more information on the Centre including location and opening hours click here.