Frequently Asked Questions

What products go into the front and back of my recycling bin?

Front of Bin

Paper and cardboard, including glossy magazines, brochures, office paper and cardboard boxes.

Back of Bin

Aluminium cans, milk and juice cartons, steel cans (including aerosols and empty paint tins) glass bottles and jars, plastic bottles including soft drinks bottles, milk containers, detergent bottles and any plastic containing the symbols 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & R.

(No motor oil containers or plastic bags)

Why do I separate my recycleables, when they are tipped altogether in one truck?

This has to be the most frequently asked question, and the answer is simple. The recycling truck is divided into two sections. Paper and cardboard fall through a chute to the bottom section of the truck while bottles and other containers remain in the top section and are stored in the rounded section at the back of the truck.

What happens to the recyclable material after it is collected?

All the waste collected from households is taken to the Material Recovery Facility at Gateshead. Here, the recyclables are sorted and separated, both by hand and by machine.

  • Paper and cardboard are sorted separately and both are exported overseas, mainly to South East Asia, to be reprocessed.
  • Glass is separated into the different colours of green, brown and clear, and is transported to Sydney. Most is reprocessed into new food and beverage containers, but can also become part of bricks, tiles, sandpaper, fibreglass, and reflective glass beads used as road markings.
  • Plastics are separated into different groupings (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 & R), and are baled and sent to China, Sydney or Brisbane
  • Steel cans are baled and sent to BHP steel in Wollongong for reprocessing. Old steel cans may then be used to manufacture new cars, fridges or washing machines.
  • Aluminium cans are transported to Sydney where they are melted down and made into ingots. These ingots may then be used to manufacture kitchen utensils, furniture or building tools, and of course, new aluminium cans.
  • Milk and juice cartons (or liquidpaperboard (LPB)) are transported to Shoalhaven, NSW, and are reprocessed into high quality office paper.
Does some of the recyclable material go to landfill?

NO.  None of the recyclable material ends up in landfill. This is because we are able to sell all of the material.

Should I remove the labels and caps from drinks containers and steel cans?

Removing labels from cans and bottles is no longer necessary. However, it is important to remove caps and put these in the garbage, as they cannot be recycled. Don't forget that steel cans and glass jars often have steel lids and these should be placed in the recycling bin.

Should I wash out containers before putting them in the recycling bin?

Yes. This is very important as any foodstuffs left in the containers often go sour very quickly and become extremely smelly, especially during the warmer months.

Should I place my recyclables inside plastic bags before putting in the recycling bin?

No.  When they are put in plastic bags they cannot be sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility.

Can I recycle car parts, windows and garden waste in my recycling bin?

No. Even though some car parts may be made of steel, these cannot be placed in your recycling bin.  In order to dispose of these, contact your local scrap metal merchant. Window glass, ceramics, Pyrex and glass tumblers or wine glasses cannot be recycled. These must be placed in the garbage. Only glass jars (such as jam jars) and bottles (such as beer bottles or wine bottles) can be recycled.

If I am unsure whether a product can be recycled, should I put it in the recycling bin anyway?

No. If in doubt, throw it out. Or you can call the Recycling Hotline on 1800 838884 or contact the Waste Education Officer on 4920 6566.