7 Golden Rules of Kerbside Recycling

Recycling may seem complicated so follow these rules to help with the war on waste. And remember to reduce and reuse first.

#1 LOOK FOR THE LABEL

The Australasian Recycling Label is a proven system that tells you which bin each piece of packaging goes in.

#2 PUT IT IN LOOSE

Easy to recycle materials, accepted in most kerbside collections:

✓ Paper & cardboard ✓ Cartons Metal cans ✓ Glass jars & bottles ✓ Plastic containers

#3 LEAVE IT OUT

These cause problems at Material Recovery Facilities* ❌ Recyclables in plastic bags ❌ Soft Plastics ❌ Food ❌ Crockery ❌ Nappies ❌ Clothing/textiles ❌ Polystyrene ❌ CDs/DVDs/videos ❌ E-waste (e.g. batteries, mobiles) ❌ Window/drinkware glass

*Some councils have special recycling systems for some of these materials.

#4 CHECK LOCALLY

Recycling rules for other materials can vary between council areas. Search RecyclingNearYou or check directly with your council to find out what’s accepted.

#5 DROP IT OFF

Items like mobile phones, coffee capsules, printer cartridges, computers, TVs, paint, soft plastics and beverage containers^ can be recycled at drop off locations. Search RecyclingNearYou ^In states with a Container Deposit Scheme

#6 IF IN DOUBT

Leave it out of the recycling bin! ‘Wish-cycling’ doesn’t work. Putting the wrong thing in the wrong bin can ruin your good recycling efforts.

#7 BUY IT BACK

Unless you’re buying packaging and products with recycled content like some plastic bottles and Planet Ark Paper, you’re not fully recycling. Search our Recycled Products Directory.

For More information: https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/resources/golden-rules