Recycling
Recycling means your waste products go on to become useful for someone else. Recycling also helps make sure that there will be enough resources left for later generations.
By using waste materials rather than new materials, manufacturers can avoid the cost and environmental impacts of extracting, refining, transporting and processing raw materials.
Recycling at home
Australians are getting more cardboard, plastic, glass and aluminium into our recycling bins and out of landfill every year.
In many areas, local councils offer a recycling service that may collect:
- Paper and cardboard
- Glass jars and bottles
- A range of plastics
- Metal including steel and aluminium cans
To find out what can go in your recycling bin contact your local council.
Be sure you know what materials can and what materials can't go in the recycling bin in your area. Putting the wrong materials in your recycling bin may lead to large amounts of recyclable material having to be sent to landfill because its too difficult to separate them out.
Recyclable materials must be put into your recycling bin loose and not in a plastic bag. It is important to remember that plastic bags can't go in your recycling bin as they tangle up the machinery used to sort the recycling materials.
Plastic bags can be recycled at most major supermarkets.
Recycling organic materials
Some local councils collect organic waste from your home and turn it into compost. Compost is a great way to improve soils and depending on your situation, you could be making it for free at home.
Composting helps keep organic waste out of landfill where it rots and can generate methane, a very strong greenhouse gas.
If you have a garden and you have enough space, you could compost your own organic matter or get a worm farm. You can then turn your food waste into free fertiliser to improve your garden soil and feed your plants.
Recycling at depots
Depending on where you live, it is possible to recycle a range of products that can't go in your kerbside recycling bin, including:
- Old mobile phones, printer cartridges, televisions and computers
- Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
- Whitegoods (fridges, washing machines, etc.)
- Cooking oils
- Motor oils
- Chemicals
- Paints
- Batteries (including car batteries)
- Portable gas bottles
- Tyres
- Metals
- Building materials (including window glass, bricks, wood and concrete)
- Expanded Polystyrene
These products can't be put in your kerbside recycling bin. Instead, ask your local council about what they will accept for recycling and if they can collect larger items.
Several states have household chemical collection programs and/or drop off points that accept domestic quantities of hazardous materials for recycling. Check with your state environment agency or local authority to find out if there is a collection point near you and what types of materials are accepted.
Buy recycled and recyclable
Products that are recycled and able to be recycled (recyclable) are becoming more available. You might see these products as an alternative to new or non-recyclable products.
Recycled and recyclable products can be great gift ideas as they could have a very low impact on the environment.
Buying recycled products can also help support the recycling sector and make more materials available for recycled and recyclable products.
Why do it?
- Less resources are needed to make products
- Less waste ends up in landfill
- You become more aware of what you throw out
- Make good habits for yourself and those around you
Did you know?
Recycling bins aren't available everywhere. Taking your recycling home with you when you're out and about helps keep recyclables out of landfill.
Page last modified: 01 Oct 2009