Can I recycle this?

Make it recycle ready

• it should be empty and dry.
• remove any paper inserts.

Where do plastic Australian Post satchels go next?

It will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t Australia Post satchels go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

What can I use instead of balloons?

Balloons are in the top three most harmful pollutants threatening marine wildlife. Consider using a more sustainable alternative at your next celebration such as flowers or blowing bubbles, which aren't just for kids. Find out more about wildlife-friendly alternatives to balloons.

Make it recycle ready

• empty any remaining bread. Find out ways to use up food scraps.
• remove the bread tag. Find out how to dispose of bread tags.

Where do bread bags go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t bread bags go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• cut them into A3 size to make sure they fit. Large pieces of bubble wrap are too bulky to be placed in soft plastic bins at supermarkets.
• ensure the bubble wrap is dry.

Where does bubble wrap go next?

It will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t bubble wrap go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

Cut them into A3 size to make sure they fit. Large pieces of cellophane are too bulky to be placed in soft plastic bins at supermarkets.

Where does cellophane go next?

It will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t cellophane go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

Remove any remaining cereal.

Where do cereal box inserts go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t cereal box inserts go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• empty any remaining chips.
• ensure chip packets are dry.

Where do chip packets go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t chip packets go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Why can’t cling wrap go in my recycling bin?

Cling wrap is a soft plastic which can’t be sorted at a recycling facility. Cling wrap goes in your rubbish bin, but that means they sit in landfill for years.

What to use instead of cling wrap?

Cling wrap is mainly used to keep food fresh. Luckily, there are lots of other options to keep your food fresher for longer.

You can:

• use reusable glass and plastic containers.
• cover food with a plate.
• use reusable beeswax, soy or silicon wraps.
• cover with foil which can be recycled. Find out how to dispose of aluminium foil.

Why can’t cling wrap go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• empty any remaining food.
• put the lid on again.
• you do not need to remove the hard plastic tube.

Where do food pouches go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t food pouches go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• remove any remaining food.
• ensure frozen food bags are dry.

Where do frozen food bags go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t frozen food bags go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• remove any remaining lollies or chocolate.
• ensure lolly wrappers are dry.

Where do lolly wrappers go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t lolly wrappers go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

Ensure your plastic bags are dry.

Where does plastic bags go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t plastic bags go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

It should be clean and dry.

Where does plastic film go next?

It will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t plastic film go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• remove any contents.
• ensure plastic sachets are dry.

Where do plastic sachets go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t plastic sachets go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• empty any remaining potting mix.
• cut them into A3 size to make sure they fit. Large pieces of soft plastic are too bulky to be placed in soft plastic bins at supermarkets
  

Where do potting mix bags go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t potting mix bags go in my recycling bin?

Our current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Make it recycle ready

• make sure it is empty.
• leave the plastic base inside as it is fully recyclable too.

Where do reusable bags go next?

They will be:

1. collected by REDcycle.
2. taken to REDcycle facilities for processing.
3. taken to manufacturing facilities to be turned into new recycled products.

Why can’t reusable bags go in my recycling bin?

Current recycling sorting facilities aren’t equipped to sort these softer types of plastic and they can get caught in equipment. This slows down the sorting lines and can even stop the equipment for periods of time.

Why can’t plastic bottle tops go in my recycling bin?

Bottle tops are small and lightweight and easily fall through the machines at recycling sorting facilities.

Other recycling options

Some 7-Eleven will take your empty disposable coffee cups and lids. Find a disposable coffee cup recycling point near you.

The cups and lids will be collected by Simply Cups, who will take them to a special facility that can process them for turning into new products.

Why they can't go in your recycling bin

Coffee cup lids can't be recycled as the lids are too small to be sorted by the machines at most processing facilities.

What about the cup itself?

See our Disposable coffee cups page.

Where do coffee pods go?

Coffee pods are separated by their different materials which include metals, plastics and organics (coffee grounds).

Metals are melted down to be recycled. Organics are composted and the remaining plastic is processed and made into new recycled plastic products.

Make it recycle ready

Empty any remaining make-up or cosmetics.

Where do cosmetics go?

Cosmetics are separated by material, shredded and melted into hard plastic that can be made into new recycled products.

Why can’t plastic cutlery go in my recycling bin?

Plastic cutlery is lightweight and flat. So when it is being sorted at the recycling facility, the sorting machines can’t tell it apart from paper. It ends up bundled up with paper and cardboard and reduces the quality of any new recycled products made.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure food platters are:

• in good condition.
• clean and not stained.

Where do your second-hand food platters go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Why can’t plastic straws go in my recycling bin?

Unlike a lot of hard plastics which can go into your recycling bin at home, plastic straws cannot be recycled. Yes, straws are a hard plastic even though they can bend.

As they travel down the conveyor belt at a recycling facility, small items like straws fall through the cracks of the machinery. They end up either in landfill for years or pollute our oceans and waterways, harming marine life.

What can I use instead of a plastic straw?

There are also many alternatives to using a plastic straw such as metal, bamboo and glass straws.

For some people, straws are a necessity. But if you don't need one, simply say "no straw, please" when you order a drink.

Where do toothbrushes go?

Toothbrushes are separated by material, shredded and melted into hard plastic that can be made into new recycled products.

Make it recycle ready

Use up any remaining toothpaste.

Where do the toothpaste tubes go?

Toothpaste tubes are separated by material, shredded and melted into hard plastic that can be made into new recycled products.

Why is polystyrene a problem for our recycling system?

When polystyrene is incorrectly put in a recycling bin at home and goes in a recycling truck, it easily breaks up into small pieces. Small pieces of polystyrene cannot be sorted at a recycling facility and contaminate the other recyclables.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure bedding is:

• clean and not stained.
• not torn or frayed.

Where does your second-hand bedding go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make them recycle ready

To ensure clothing is resaleable, make sure they are:

• clean and not stained.
• not covered in animal fur.
• not torn or frayed.

Where do your recycled clothes go?

The resaleable clothing that you donate to charities and second-hand retailers will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases, the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Non-resaleable clothing you provide to retailers such as H&M, Zara and Manrags, will be donated or recycled and transformed into new fabrics or materials, such as insulation for cars.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure curtains are:

• clean and not faded.
• not covered in animal fur.

Where do your second-hand curtains go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure shoes are:

• in a good condition without any holes.
• clean and not stained.

Where do your second-hand shoes go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

What happens to coffee grounds that go in a food and garden bin?

After your food and garden bin has been collected it's taken to a processor where it gets sorted to remove any items that can’t be composted, like plastics. Food and garden waste is composted and used in agriculture, parks, schools and kindergartens to keep gardens healthy and looking great.

Learn more about the benefits of recycling your food waste by visiting the Back to Earth initiative.

What happens to food scraps that go in a food and garden bin?

After your food and garden bin has been collected it's taken to a processor where it gets sorted to remove any items that can’t be composted, like plastics. Food and garden waste is composted and used in agriculture, parks, schools and kindergartens to keep gardens healthy and looking great.

Learn more about the benefits of recycling your food waste by visiting the Back to Earth initiative.

Make it recycle ready

• Remove any plastic labels or metal staples.
• Check if your tea brand uses compostable bags.
• If the bag isn’t compostable, open the bag to empty the leaves into the compost and then dispose of the bag in your rubbish bin.

Where do Christmas trees go next?

After your Christmas tree has been collected, it’s turned into mulch or compost and used in agriculture, parks, schools and kindergartens to keep gardens healthy and looking great.

Learn more about the benefits of recycling your green waste by visiting the Back to Earth initiative.

Where does garden waste go next?

After your garden waste has been collected, it's taken to a processor where it gets sorted and items which don’t belong in your garden waste bin are removed. Garden waste is turned into mulch or compost used in agriculture, parks, schools and kindergartens to keep gardens healthy and looking great.

Learn more about the benefits of recycling your green waste by visiting the Back to Earth initiative.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure glassware is:

• in good condition.
• not cracked or broken. Find out how to dispose of broken glass.
  

Where does your second-hand glassware go?

It will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure mirrors are:

• in good condition.
• not cracked or broken.

Where do your second-hand mirrors go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure the Pyrex is:

• clean.
• not cracked or broken.

Where does your second-hand pyrex go?

It will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure metal cutlery is clean and in good condition.

Where does your second-hand metal cutlery go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Make it recycle ready

Make sure pots and pans are:

• in good condition.
• clean and not heavily scratched.

Where do your second-hand pots and pans go?

They will be re-sold at stores and op-shops. In many cases the profits will go to charity. Check with the store if you are unsure.

Where do the batteries go next?

Batteries and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do car batteries go?

Car batteries and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Remove any CDs from the player.

Where do CD players go?

CD players and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Wipe your personal data like personal details, emails, photos and downloads. Find out more about removing data from your old computer.

Where do computers go?

Computers and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Remove any DVDs from the player.

Where do DVD players go?

DVD players and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do electric toothbrushes go?

Electric toothbrushes and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Remove any household batteries.

Where do electrical appliances go?

Electrical appliances and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do floppy disks go?

Floppy disks and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do fluorescent light tubes go?

Fluorescent light tubes and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Remove any remaining food.

Where do fridges go?

Fridges and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do light bulbs go?

Light bulbs and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Make it recycle ready

Wipe your personal data like personal details, emails, photos and downloads. Find out more about removing data from your old mobile phone.

Where do mobile phones go?

Mobile phones and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do cartridges go?

Cartridges and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do televisions go?

Televisions and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do whitegoods go?

Whitegoods and other e-waste contain a range of precious materials which can be used to make new products. Find out how e-waste is processed and reused.

Where do the waxed cardboard boxes go?

Waxed cardboard boxes aren’t suitable for paper recycling due to their wax coating. They shouldn’t be considered the same as regular paper and cardboard.

Why they can't go in your recycling bin

Standard coffee cups are made from liquid paperboard. That’s a mix of paper and a thin layer of plastic to make it waterproof.

At the moment, processing of liquid paperboard isn’t very effective so when coffee cups are put in the recycling bin, they contaminate the other items to be recycled.

What you can use instead

Grab a reusable coffee cup and help avoid the 1 billion disposable coffee cups that Australians throw away every year. Many cafes now offer a small discount for bringing your own reusable cup. To find participating cafes near you, check the Responsible Cafes website.

What about lids?

See our Coffee cup lids page.

Why can’t long-life cartons go in my recycling bin?

Although some councils will accept them, some won't. Long-life cartons are made from a material called liquid paperboard. This is a combination of mainly cardboard, with a thin layer of plastic and aluminium foil.

At the moment, processing of liquid paperboard isn’t very effective so when long-life cartons are put in the recycling bin, they contaminate the other items to be recycled.

Why can’t waxed paper go in the recycling bin?

Waxed paper isn’t suitable for paper recycling due to its wax coating. It shouldn’t be considered the same as regular paper and cardboard.