Sustainability

Are You Recycling Right? 7 Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ever wondered, "Is this actually recyclable?" You’re not alone! Here are seven common recycling mistakes and what to do instead.

1. Soft Plastics (Plastic Bags & Wrappers)❌ Not in the yellow bin✅ Check for soft plastic recycling programs or use general waste. Soft plastics jam recycling machines. Some supermarkets and councils are trialling new programs.
2. Takeaway Coffee Cups & Lids❌ Not in the yellow bin✅ Use specialty recycling programs or general waste. Coffee cups have a plastic lining, making them hard to recycle. If no program is available, dispose of them properly—or better yet, bring a reusable cup!
3. Compostable & Biodegradable Packaging❌ Not for recycling✅ Use the green bin (if accepted) or general waste. These items look like plastic but can’t be recycled. Compost them if possible; otherwise, bin them.
4. Greasy Pizza Boxes❌ Not recyclable if greasy✅ Compost the greasy parts or put in general waste. Clean cardboard can be recycled, but grease contaminates it. Recycle clean parts and compost or bin the rest.
5. Drinking Glasses & Ceramics❌ Not recyclable✅ Donate if intact; general waste if broken. They melt differently from glass bottles, so they can’t be recycled. Wrap broken pieces before disposing.
6. Polystyrene Foam (Styrofoam)❌ Not in most recycling bins✅ Drop off at specialty recycling or use general waste. It crumbles into tiny pieces, making recycling difficult. Some waste stations accept clean foam—check your local options.
7. Batteries & Electronics❌ Never in kerbside bins✅ Use e-waste drop-offs. Batteries and electronics contain hazardous materials. Drop off at supermarkets, Officeworks, or council e-waste sites.

By recycling correctly, you help reduce waste, keep valuable materials in use, and protect the environment!