Recycling from A-Z

Find out Which Bin or where to take items you want to dispose of responsibly.
If you can't find an item in this list, search by CLICKING HERE. Search by the components that make up the item. E.g. Pillow = Fabric.

If you are still unsure about Which Bin a specific item should go in,
call your local council or phone the Which Bin hotline on 1300 137 118

  • A
  • Aerosol Cans Empty

    Please ensure all cans are empty with the lid removed. Lids can be recycled too.

    For spray cans that are not empty, take them back to your nearest free Household Chemicals and Paint Drop-off location

  • Aluminium foil
    Clean aluminium foil is recyclable if scrunched into a fist sized ball. Dirty or soiled aluminium foil should be placed in the waste bin.
  • Animal waste (in plastic bags)
    Animal waste that has been bagged in a plastic bag should be placed in the general waste bin. Animal waste can be placed in the green organics bin if left loose, wrapped in newspaper or bagged in compostable bag supplied by your council. Please only use compostable bags if placing pet waste in the green organics bin.
  • Animal waste (out of plastic bags)
    Domestic quantities of animal waste can be placed in the green organics bin if left loose, wrapped in newspaper or bagged in compostable bag supplied by your council. Please only use compostable bags if placing pet waste in the green organics bin.

    Pet waste worm farms are available at some hardware stores. 

    DIY designs are available on the internet for home handy persons.

  • Appliances
    Many Councils in South Australia offer their residents a hard rubbish collection either, pre-arranged or a dedicated collection week. Please ensure you contact your local Council for a list of acceptable items and how they require it to be placed. To help the environment if your items are in good condition consider contacting a charitable organisation. Scrap metal dealers may also take some items.
  • Asbestos

    Asbestos can be a hazard to health if handled incorrectly.

    You need to be very careful with asbestos, there is a dedicated website that will take you through who you need to speak to, depending on what your situation is. The website is http://www.asbestos.sa.gov.au/

    Is asbestos being removed or disturbed? If so then you need to contact SafeWork SA: 1300 365 255 

  • Ash Charcoal

    Compost/Worm Farm/Bokashi. Must be cold and not smouldering/hot.

  • B
  • Baking Paper

    Baking paper should be placed in the red (or blue) landfill bin, unless the packaging includes the Australian Standard 4736 logo (certified compostable), in which case it can go in the green bin.

  • Basket - Cane
  • Batteries – hazardous

    Automotive (lead acid) batteries can be recycled at auto part retailers or service stations. Check with your local council as some have a recycling, drop-off facility available for residents.

    B-cycle Battery Recycling has thousands of drop-off locations across Australia. Find your closest drop-off point.

    Century Yuasa also have a nationwide lead acid battery recycling program. Learn more.

    Learn more about safe disposal of batteries.

  • Batteries – non-hazardous

    Batteries can’t go in your yellow bin, but they can be recycled by taking them to a free drop-off point.


    B-cycle Battery Recycling has thousands of drop-off locations across Australia. Find your nearest drop-off point.


    Many councils and libraries offer a drop-off service. Try contacting your council directly to see if they are participating, and where locations are.


    Learn more about safe disposal of batteries.

  • Blister Pack - Medicine Tablet

    Blister packs can be taken to your nearest Pharmacycle drop-off point for recycling.

    Blister packs have foil and plastic components that are difficult to separate, so they cannot be placed in your yellow-lidded recycling bin. If you're unable to drop them off at a Pharmacycle location, they should be placed in your red- or blue-lidded landfill bin. 


     

  • Bucket
    Metal and plastic buckets can be placed in your yellow bin. Wooden buckets should be placed in your General Waste Bin.
  • Building and demolition materials
    For building and construction waste removal services consult check internet search.
  • Butter wrapping foil

    Paper lined foil is hard to recycle, especially if greasy. Place this in the waste bin.

  • Butter Wrapping Paper Only

    Butter wrapping is hard to recycle, especially if greasy. Place in the waste bin.

  • C
  • Car Body
    Car and truck bodies need to go to a wrecker or dismantler. Scrap metal dealers may take parts.
  • Cardboard

    All cardboard packaging and items. egg cartons, pizza box without food, toilet paper rolls, cereal boxes, cigarette packets.

  • Carpet
    Small amounts of carpet, such as tiles, rugs and runners can be placed in the Genral Waste Bin as long as lid can close. Contact your council for Hard Waste or your nearest transfer station.
  • Cases - DVD CD

    These items are unable to go into your recycling bin.

  • Chemical Drums
  • Chemicals

    Household chemicals can be dangerous if they are not stored or disposed of safely. Be aware Hazardous Wastes can not be disposed of in the general waste bin as they are harmful to human health and the environment.

    Free drop off locations NOW OPEN:

    North Plympton: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

    Campbelltown: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

    Edinburgh North: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Weekends 9am-3pm

    Heathfield: 32 Scott Creek Road, Healthfield.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7.30am-4pm, Weekends 9am-4pm

    For queries on where to take paint, and household chemicals, or more details on the new opening times please call 8204 2051
    For your nearest free paint drop off location, visit PaintBack's website: www.paintback.com.au 

    Accepted items: · Acids and alkalis · Brake fluid and coolants · Motor oil · Cleaning products · Fumigants · Gas cylinders · Batteries · Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides · Photographic chemicals · Poisons · Pool chemicals · Solvents, varnishes and stains · Fluorescent light globes · Other household chemicals

  • Child Car Seat

    RAA Members can now drop off any old or damaged car seats for recycling at RAA Child Safety Centre at 101 Richmond Road, Mile End (corner of South Road) during office hours, for the small charge of $5 per seat. In exchange they will receive a $5 gift voucher per seat to spend on their next child restraint purchase (one voucher per child restraint sale). Non-RAA members can still use the service, but will be charged $10 and will not receive a voucher. The small fee helps to cover the costs of managing and recycling the seats.

    This new initiative is to assist parents and carers with the safe and environmentally friendly disposal of ‘end of life’ car seats. This will minimise the risk of unsafe seats being sold online, at second hand stores or being picked up off the side of the road. Accepting the seats through the RAA’s recycling system provides a low-cost alternative for disposal without going to landfill.

    If you have any questions about the scheme, please contact the RAA Child Safety Centre on 08 8202 4592 or childrestraints@raa.com.au.

  • Cleaning cloths

    Please note that not all commercially bought cleaning cloths are biodegradable. There are a few available for purchase in the market place however, if incorrectly placed into the organics bin contamination could occur.  Currently it is recommended that these types of items be placed into your General Waste bin.

  • Clothing Items

    If clothing items (including shoes and accessories) are still in good condition (i.e. not stained, torn or soiled), then these items should be responsibly donated to a charity op shop.

    Fabric or clothing should be donated to a charity store, or reused for cleaning rags. If the fabric/clothing/textiles is past reuse, and is no good for charity it cannot go in the recycling bin - it should go in the waste bin only.

  • Coat-hanger-Plastic

    Place in General Waste Bin or donate to charity if in good condition.

  • Coffee Cups

    Disposable coffee cups need to go in the red (or blue) lid bin to landfill.

    The only exception is if they are certified 100% compostable - usually this is identified by ‘AS 4736’ or the logo below AND your council offers a kerbside green bin system (these bins take food, garden organics and other compostable items to an industrial composting facility).

  • Coffee Pod
    Some coffee pods can be recycled but only via your local Nespresso Store or Nespresso collection point. To find a location visit https://www.nespresso.com/au/en/storeLocator

    If you are unable to do any of these then they should go into the waste bin. Most coffee pods are unable to be accepted through your kerbside recycling system and must go into your landfill (waste) bin. Aldi have confirmed that the main body of their capsules are made from polypropylene and the film from polyethylene terephthalate and polypropylene carbonate.
  • Compostable Cups & Plates

    Compostable takeaway cups and plates need to go into the green bin, they cannot go into the yellow bin as they need to be composted, and go to a different facility than yellow bin recyclables.

  • Concrete

    This item is unable to be placed in your household waste, green waste or dry recycling bin. This waste may be able to be taken to your Council Transfer Station and may attract a fee for disposal and your local Council would be able to advise you as to your closest transfer station. Alternatively, if you have construction debris then you may consider disposing of this waste through a Recycling Service or a Rubbish Removal Service. You are able to find this information through the telephone book or internet.

  • Concrete plant pots

    This item is unable to be placed in your household waste, green waste or dry recycling bin. This waste may be able to be taken to your Council Transfer Station and may attract a fee for disposal and your local Council would be able to advise you as to your closest transfer station. Alternatively, if you have construction debris then you may consider disposing of this waste through a Recycling Service or a Rubbish Removal Service. You are able to find this information through the telephone book or internet.


  • Contact Lens


     


     

  • Cooking oil
    Very small amounts of used cooking oil can be mixed with organic material in the green organics bin.
  • Cosmetics

    Any cans or containers such as shampoo bottles or aerosol containers (deodorant, shaving cream), provided they are empty, can go in the yellow bin.

    Any bits of plastic that can be separated from other materials or contents can go inside a milk bottle and in the yellow bin. Items made of combined materials (eg. plastic and glass), or still with contents, need to go in the general waste bin.

    Kerbside recycling is for regular bottles and cans (typically things we consume in the kitchen). It doesn’t always cater to the nuances and increasingly wide array of containers used in cosmetics/make-up, which need to go in the red (or blue) waste bin.

  • Cups (waxed coffee cups)

    Most cups are currently made of paper but are lined on the inside with a waxed substance. Unfortunately the wax lining makes the cups unrecyclable through current systems and so they must go in the landfill bin.

    Consider taking a positive approach to this problem and asking your coffee vendor if they use or would consider using recyclable cups they may not have thought of this before.  Alternatively, take your own reusable coffee cup when buying your drink.

  • D
  • Dangerous Items

    Contact your local police station to find out how to dispose of:

    • Ammunition
    • Ammo
    • Buckshot
    • Bullets
    • Explosives
    • Firearms
    • Flares
    • Guns
    • Weaponry

     


     

  • Dead animals

    Small dead animals like mice, birds or rats can be placed in the green bin if your council composts. Wrap in newspaper first, not plastic.

  • Decorations

    As most decorations are made from a composite of several different materials including plastic, metal, glue, wax and paper, they cannot be separated for recycling. Tinsel can also wrap around the sorting machinery causing it to malfunction or breakdown. Artificial Christmas Trees: chop into smaller pieces. These all go in the general waste bin.

    Natural Christmas Tree: Treat as garden waste,

    Suggestions

    • Reuse next year or donate to charity if in good condition.
    • Consider making decorations from recycled paper and old greeting cards or natural materials like pinecones, gumnuts and leaves. This is a fun, environmentally friendly activity for children.


     

  • Dentures

    Contact your dentist for advice or waste bin.

  • Discs – DVDs and CDs

    These items are unable to go into your recycling bin. Place them in your landfill bin.

  • Drink Cans & Bottles
    All empty drink cans and bottles can go in the Yellow Bin. 10c deposit containers can be exchanged for cash at your nearest depot.
  • Drums
  • E
  • Electronic Waste

    There are several drop off points in South Australia.

    Unplug N’ Drop - Locations throughout SA here.

    ECycleSA - 12-14 Baulderstone Road, Gepps Cross

    Edinburgh North Resource Recovery Centre - Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North SA 5113

    Pooraka Resource Recovery Centre63-75 Research Road, Pooraka SA 5095


    Televisions, calculator, camera,  computers, computer mice, keyboards, white-goods, electric radiators, air conditioners, electric fans, vacuum cleaners, carpet sweepers, irons, electric knives, electric shavers, copying equipment, telephones, radios, video cameras, DVD’s, VCR’s, CD’s, CD players and recorders, speakers, sewing machines, drills, saws, welding tools, electric mowers, electronic gardening equipment , electronic toys, leisure and sports equipment, hand held video game consoles, sports equipment with electric or electronic components.

  • Exercise Equipment

    Donate to charity if in good condition

    Hard Waste Collection or Put Out Day.  You will need to contact your local council to book a collection.


  • Explosives
    note refer to Local Police Station
  • Eye Glasses

    Donate to charity if in good condition.

    Donate them at Lions Clubs International Recycle for Sight for details go here.   Or to OneSight at OPSM go here. Your glasses are then distributed to charities helping developing communities.

  • F
  • Feminine hygiene products

    These products are not to be flushed down any toilet.  They should be wrapped and disposed of in your General Waste bin.

  • Ferrous metal
  • Film negatives

    Film cannot be recycled, it should be placed in the waste bin.

  • Fire Extinguisher

    Don’t put fire extinguishers in any household bin.

    Domestic halon-based (yellow body) fire extinguishers are illegal for use in Australia. These extinguishers can handed in at any fire station in South Australia for safe disposal. Fire stations will not accept any other types of extinguisher for refilling, recycling or disposal.

    All other fire extinguishers can be dropped off for free at any hazardous waste depot:

    Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre
    Where: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday 8 am to 3 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm

    Campbelltown Works Depot
    Where: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 3 pm 

    NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre, Edinburgh North
    Where: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4pm, weekends 9 am to 3 pm

    Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre
    Where: 32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4 pm, weekends 9 am to 4 pm

    Check with your local waste transfer station or waste depot whether they will accept them. Those licensed to accept scrap metal will generally accept used fire extinguishers.

    If you are unable to find a waste transfer station or waste depot that will take them, contact the supplier. They may accept used extinguishers or provide advice on disposal. The supplier's details can usually be found on the extinguisher itself.

  • Fishing Line Spools
    Empty fishing line spools can be placed in the recycling bin. Please ensure all fishing line is removed first.
  • Flares
    Refer to your Local Police Station
  • Food Scraps

    If your council provides you with a Green Organics bin you may deposit all food scraps into that bin. Residents can put food scraps into their green organics bin either loose, wrapped in newspaper or compostable bags.  Composting at home is another fantastic way to recycle food scraps for use in your garden and will help those people whose council may yet have food recycling through its Green Organics bin.

    If your council does not provide you with a Green Organics bin you will need to put this waste into your landfill waste bin. 

    Port Pirie, Berri Barmera, Loxton Waikerie and Yorke Peninsula councils ONLY ACCEPT GARDEN MATERIALS in the Green Organics bin and no food items are currently permitted.

  • Fuel Tank - LPG Gas

    Householders should contact a licenced Auto Gas Repairer to have any unit removed and disposed of safely.  

     

     

  • Furniture

    Many Councils in South Australia offer their residents a hard rubbish collection either, pre-arranged or a dedicated collection week. Please ensure you contact your local Council for a list of acceptable items and how they require it to be placed. To help the environment if your items are in good condition consider contacting a charitable organisation.

    Some items that your council may accept are:

    • Air conditioners Bikes and toys Blinds and window coverings
    • Dismantled clothes lines
    • Floor coverings (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Furniture
    • Gym equipment
    • Hot water systems (ensure they are completely empty)
    • Lawn mowers (ensure the petrol tank is completely empty)
    • Mattresses
    • Pruning's cut into 2 metre lengths and tied in bundles (max of 30 cm diameter)
    • Refrigerators and freezers (for safety reasons – please remove doors)
    • Sheets of iron and guttering (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Small items of scrap metal
    • Timber off cuts (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Tools
    • Toys
    • White goods, washing machine, dishwasher, dryer.

     

  • G
  • Gas bottle

    Refill through Swap ‘n’ Go exchange at most service stations.

    Free drop off locations NOW OPEN:

    North Plympton: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

    Campbelltown: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

    Edinburgh North: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Weekends 9am-3pm

    Heathfield: 32 Scott Creek Road, Healthfield. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7.30am-4pm, Weekends 9am-4pm

    For queries on where to take paint, and household chemicals, or more details on the new opening times please call 8204 2051

    For your nearest free paint drop off location, visit PaintBack's website: www.paintback.com.au

    Accepted items:

    • Acids and alkalis
    • Brake fluid and coolants
    • Motor oil
    • Cleaning products
    • Fumigants
    • Liquid paints – oil and water-based up to 100 litres
    • Gas cylinders
    • Batteries
    • Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides
    • Photographic chemicals
    • Poisons
    • Pool chemicals
    • Solvents, varnishes and stains
    • Fluorescent light globes
    • Other household chemicals
  • Glass Broken

    Please don’t place broken glass, window panes, mirrors or oven proof glass in the yellow bin. These types of glass are not recyclable through the yellow bin. Be sure to place these materials only in the waste bin if they can’t be reused or donated.

  • Glow Stick

    Glow sticks actually contain two separate compartments, with two different chemical solutions . One solution, in the case of most glow sticks, contains a diphenyl oxalate compound, along with a dye whose identity varies depending on the desired colour. The other solution is one of hydrogen peroxide, a chemical that is contained within an inner glass cylinder. This cylinder keeps the two solutions separate from each other, and prevents them from reacting. The action of snapping the glow stick breaks the glass cylinder, allowing the two solutions to mix and kicking of the reaction leading to the glow.  

    The reaction that takes place is between the hydrogen peroxide solution and the diphenyl oxalate. The diphenyl oxalate is oxidised by the hydrogen peroxide, which, amongst other products, produces the unstable compound 1,2-dioxetanedione. This compound is so unstable that it readily decomposes into carbon dioxide, also releasing energy as it does so. It’s at this point that the compound being used as a dye comes into play. Although uninvolved in the reaction, the electrons in the molecules of the dye can absorb the energy given off by the decomposition of 1,2-dioxetanedione, and in doing so they are promoted to an ‘excited state’. When the electrons fall back to their ‘ground state’ (i.e., their original energy), they lose their excess energy, in the form of photons of light. This process is known as chemiluminescence.

    You may also have noticed that the packaging of glow sticks often advises that they shouldn’t be cut open . There’s also a chemical reason for this. As well as the hydrogen peroxide contained within the glass cylinder inside the glow stick, the reaction of the diphenyl oxalate with the hydrogen peroxide can also produce small amounts of phenol as a byproduc t. Skin contact with the solution contained within glow sticks can therefore cause some unwanted effects, including irritation and dermatitis .

  • Green Organic Waste

    Branches should be no bigger than 15cm diameter by 60cm long.

  • Grocery items

    If the item is still in-date, it can be donated to your local Foodbank, otherwise it should be disposed of in your red/blue landfill bin.

    If it is a food item, and cannot be donated, remove the food contents and place them in your green organics bin.

    Hard plastic and cardboard packaging can then be placed into your yellow recycling bin, and soft plastics should be placed in your red/blue landfill bin.

  • H
  • Hard plastic

    Hard plastic items such as containers, butter and margarine tubs, juice and cordial bottles, milk cartons, flower pots and trays, ice cream and yoghurt tubs, and empty deodorant bottles (not glass), can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

    Items such as CD cases and hard plastic utensils cannot be placed in the yellow recycling bin – refer to separate listings for these items.

  • Household Hard Rubbish

    Many Councils in South Australia offer their residents a hard rubbish collection either, pre-arranged or a dedicated collection week. Please ensure you contact your local Council for a list of acceptable items and how they require it to be placed. To help the environment if your items are in good condition consider contacting a charitable organisation.

    Some items that your council may accept are:

    • Air conditioners Bikes and toys Blinds and window coverings
    • Dismantled clothes lines
    • Floor coverings (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Furniture
    • Gym equipment
    • Hot water systems (ensure they are completely empty)
    • Lawn mowers (ensure the petrol tank is completely empty)
    • Mattresses
    • Pruning's cut into 2 metre lengths and tied in bundles (max of 30 cm diameter)
    • Refrigerators and freezers (for safety reasons – please remove doors)
    • Sheets of iron and guttering (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Small items of scrap metal
    • Sports equipment
    • Timber off cuts (up to 1.5 metre lengths)
    • Tools
    • Toys
    • White goods, washing machine, dishwasher, dryer,

     

  • I
  • Irrigation Pipe

    Poly pipe, irrigation pipe and drip line hoses cannot be recycled. Cut into short lengths and place in the waste bin.

  • K
  • Kitty Litter

    Only certified compostable kitty litter can go in the green bin.

    If it's not compostable it should be placed in the General Waste bin.

    If your council accepts food waste, then pet waste can go in the green bin too.

  • L
  • Light Globes, Fluorescent (fluro) Tubes

    Householders are advised not to place compact fluorescent globes or other fluorescent tubes in their kerbside recycling bin. These items need to be recycled by a company with a specific process. The mercury powder contained in them is a significant contamination concern for the broader recycling industry.

    So where can you deposit your light globes and tubes for recycling?  South Australian Householders are able to take a wide variety of household light globes including halogen, incandescent and fluorescent globes to these South Australian companies:

    https://www.mitre10.com.au/locator/

    Ikea http://www.ikea.com/aa/en/store/adelaide

    You could also ask your local lighting sales shop to see if they provide a recycling service. 

    DeLights do provide a fee for service for the recycling https://www.delights.com.au/

    Please note that COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS should speak with the fee-for-service organisations to ensure their fluoro tubes and globes are diverted from landfill and recycled: 

    CMA Eco Cycle - http://www.cmaecocycle.net/lighting-electrical/

    Suez - http://www.sita.com.au/commercial-solutions/resource-recovery-recycling/lighting-recycling/

     

     

     

  • M
  • Mattresses

    Drop off at your local waste transfer station.

    Or use your next Hard Waste Collection.

    Restrictions may apply – check with your local council about your hard waste collection options.

  • Medication containers
    Medication bottles (plastic or glass) can be placed in the recycling bin once empty. Please remove the lids and place lids in the waste bin.
  • Mercury thermometer

    Mercury thermometers can be dangerous if they are not stored or disposed of safely. Be aware mercury thermometers can not be disposed of in the general waste bin as they are harmful to human health and the environment. 

    Mercury thermometers can be dropped off, free of charge, at any of these hazardous waste depots:

    Adelaide Waste and Recycling Centre

    Where: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 am to 4 pm, Saturday 8 am to 3 pm, and Sunday 10 am to 3 pm

    Campbelltown Works Depot

    Where: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 3 pm 

    NAWMA Resource Recovery Centre, Edinburgh North

    Where: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8 am to 4pm, weekends 9 am to 3 pm

    Heathfield Resource Recovery Centre

    Where: 32 Scott Creek Road, Heathfield
    Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 4 pm, weekends 9 am to 4 pm

  • Metal Items
    Screw top metal lids need to be removed from jars and bottles. On their own, they are too small to be recycled but can be RECYCLED by simply placing insidea larger metal can or tin and then sealing that container with its original lid (you could use a large Milo tin, Coffee tin or even a dried out paint tin). If it is a tin can like baked beans, spaghetti or tinned tomatoes you can put the lid inside the can and then squash the can so the lids don't fallout and place in the recycling bin.
  • Mobile phones
    Take mobile phones and batteries to your local Mobile Muster. For locations go to www.mobilemuster.com.au.
  • N
  • Nappies

    All nappies go in the General Waste bin.

    At present, there is no known brand of compostable nappies that can completely break down in a commercial composting system. This is due to the plastic elements such as liners, tabs, and elastic that remain as residue after being processed. The plastic components equate to more than 10% which is above the acceptable contamination.

    For this reason all nappies need to be disposed of in the general waste to landfill bin.

  • Non-deposit glass

    Glass jars and containers can be placed in the yellow bin.

    No mirrors or drinking glasses or windows can be put in the yellow bin.

  • Non-ferrous metal

    Metal goes in your Recycle Bin.

  • O
  • Oil

    Please check with your local resource recovery centre, landfill (dump) or waste transfer station operator (Council or private) if they have a drop off point for old motor oil and if there is a fee.

    Some automotive service and retail businesses offer free oil recycling. For example select Super Cheap Auto stores https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/services/in-store-services/oil-recycling .  **Please note that Super Cheap Autos have restrictions like:

    • The volume of oil able to be recycled up to 5 litre bottles and per person around 20 litres at a time 
    • The oil should be contained in an oil bottle and will not be accepted in an unsuitable container such as a milk bottle for instance
    • Only household quantities will be accepted
    Contact your local Super Cheap Auto shop prior to visiting.
  • Oil Column Heater

    Some charity second hand shops or charity shops may take them if they are still in working order.  They would likely have them electrically tested and then resell the item.

    Some scrap metal businesses are able to drain the oil out of them and and then put the heaters into scrap metal with the cords going to EWaste or scrap metal ie copper etc.

    If the unit is beyond repair or reuse then it is best to contact your local council or scrap metal business and see if they will accept this item.

     

  • Oil Filters
  • Oily rags

    Another alternative is that some oil recycling businesses will accept oily rags through their recycling system for example Super Cheap Auto stores https://www.supercheapauto.com.au/services/in-store-services/oil-recycling
      

  • P
  • Paint

    You can take your waste paint and packaging to any Paintback site. Find your nearest Paintback Collection Site.

    Free drop off locations NOW OPEN:

    greenindustries.sa.gov.au/hazwaste

    North Plympton: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

    Campbelltown: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

    Edinburgh North: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Weekends 9am-3pm

    Heathfield: 32 Scott Creek Road, Healthfield. Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7.30am-4pm, Weekends 9am-4pm

    Items you may take to the new depots.

    Aerosol Can (not empty) Alkalis - Bleach - Brake fluid - Coolant - Disinfectants - Engine Oil Fertiliser - Fuel/Petrol - Herbicide -Insecticide - Liquid Paint - Pesticide - Poison - Pool Chemicals - Solvents (paint thinners) - Stain Remover

  • Paint tins
    Empty, dry paint tins can go in the yellow recycling bin. No paint (wet or dry) in recycling bins.

    Wet paint cannot go in ANY bin but dry paint can go in the WASTE bin. To dry paint, leave the lid off and tap out of the tinwhen dry into the waste bin (if there's a small amount of dry paint left in the tin it won't matter, just remember no wet paint in any bin). See the information on hazardous waste for further advice.

  • Paper
    Small pieces of plastic (eg windows), staples and paper clips do not need to be removed from paper before recycling. If the paper is small or shredded it should be placed in your Green Bin mixed with other organics or if contained within a paper bag, envelope or cardboard box and placed in your Yellow bin.


    NOTE: Paper Towel goes in the green bin or compost bin at home, but never the yellow bin.

    Paper towel in the yellow bin is problematic as it contaminates other recycling and it can’t really be recycled as it’s a very thin fibrous paper. It’s also often wet as that’s how it’s used, and no wet paper or cardboard should go in the yellow bin.

    Paper and cardboard can be recycled a max of 6-7 times, and paper towels are at the end of their ability to be recycled. They cannot go through the yellow bin process. If your council does not accept paper towel in the green bin, or does not supply a green bin, it has to go into the waste bin.

  • Paper Bag

    Paper can be placed in the Recycle bin.

    If soiled it can be placed in the Green Organics bin, remove any plastic first.

  • Paper Shredded
    If the paper is small or shredded it should be placed in your Green Bin mixed with other organics or if contained within a paper bag, envelope or cardboard box and placed in your Yellow bin.
  • Pencil

    Pencils can go to Green Organics bin, but pens, markers and textas must go in the General Waste bin.

  • Petrol

    Household chemicals can be dangerous if they are not stored or disposed of safely. Be aware Hazardous Wastes can not be disposed of in the general waste bin as they are harmful to human health and the environment.

    Free drop off locations NOW OPEN:

    North Plympton: 181 Morphett Road, North Plympton.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7am-4pm, Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 10am-3pm

    Campbelltown: 6 Newton Road, Campbelltown.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-3pm

    Edinburgh North: Gate 3, Bellchambers Road, Edinburgh North.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Weekends 9am-3pm

    Heathfield: 32 Scott Creek Road, Healthfield.
    Opening hours: Monday-Friday 7.30am-4pm, Weekends 9am-4pm

    For queries on where to take paint, and household chemicals, or more details on the new opening times please call 8204 2051
    For your nearest free paint drop off location, visit PaintBack's website: www.paintback.com.au 

    Accepted items: · Acids and alkalis · Brake fluid and coolants · Motor oil · Cleaning products · Fumigants · Gas cylinders · Batteries · Pesticides, herbicides, insecticides · Photographic chemicals · Poisons · Pool chemicals · Solvents, varnishes and stains · Fluorescent light globes · Other household chemicals·  Petrol · Fuel · Diesel Petrol · Diesel Fuel

  • Pharmaceuticals and Medicine

    Hazardous Waste

    Check with your local pharmacy or chemist for recycling/disposal options. Refer to http://www.returnmed.com.au/  . Be aware Hazardous Wastes can not be disposed of in the general waste bin as they are harmful to human health and the environment.  Some Councils may provide free drop off points for their community. These drop off points may only be open a few times a year.

  • Phone Book

    Phone books go in the Recycle Bin.

    Remove yourself from getting phone books delivered: https://www.directoryselect.com.au/action/home

  • Photographic film slides

    Photographs, Photographic Film & Slides go in the General Waste bin.

  • Pizza Box - Clean

    Clean cardboard pizza box without food go in Yellow Bin.
    Dirty cardboard pizza boxes or with food scraps, go in the Green Organics Bin.

  • Plastic bag – Compostable

    Certified compostable bags (like the ones your council provides for your kitchen caddy) should be placed into your green organics bin. 

    To identify certified compostable plastic, look for the AS-4736 Australian Standard 'seedling' logo, pictured below. If the compostable plastic does not have this logo, then it cannot go in your green organics bin

    Certified compostable bags are designed to break down in a commercial compost facility.

    All non-compostable soft plastics should only go in your red/blue landfill bin, never in your yellow recycling bin or green organics bin.

     

  • Plastic bag – Non-compostable

    Plastic bags and other soft plastics should only go in your red/blue landfill bin, never in your yellow recycling bin or green organics bin.

    If a bag is certified compostable, that is, it has the AS-4736 Australian Standard 'seedling' logo (pictured below) printed on it, then it is safe to go in your green organics bin. These bags are designed to break down in a commercial composting facility.

  • Plastic bubble wrap
    Soft plastics should only go in your red/blue landfill bin, never in your yellow recycling bin or green organics bin.
  • Plastic Meat Trays (Clean)

    Plastic trays that meat comes on from the supermarket which has been Cryovac packed if clean is able to be recycled. Please ensure that the item is NOT polystyrene as this item is not accepted in the system.

  • Plastic milk bottles

    Plastic Milk Bottles, without lids, go in the Recycle Bin. 

    For disposal of lids, see 'Lids-Plastic' for advice.

  • Plastic (small items)

    In all councils, lids larger than 5 cm (like the lid on a tub of peanut butter) can be placed loosely in the yellow recycling bin.

    In these councils, small hard plastics, like bottle tops and bread tags, can be safely recycled by collecting them in a clear plastic bottle, like a milk bottle. Once the bottle is full, pop the lid back on and place it in your recycling bin:
    In these councils, plastic lids can be recycled by crushing the empty bottle, screwing the lid back on, and then placing the item in your yellow recycling bin. Other small hard plastics, like bread tags and cable ties, are not able to be collected by Material Recycling Facilities (MRFs) equipment and should be placed in your landfill bin:

    Alexandrina Council
    Barossa Council
    Berri Barmera Council
    City of Playford
    City of Port Lincoln
    City of Salisbury
    City of Tea Tree Gully
    Coorong District Council
    Corporation of the City of Whyalla
    District Council of Barunga West
    District Council of Copper Coast
    District Council of Elliston
    District Council of Loxton Waikerie
    District Council of Renmark Paringa
    District Council of Robe
    District Council of Yorke Peninsula
    Flinders Ranges Council
    Kingston District Council
    Light Regional Council
    Mid Murray Council
    Municipal Council of Roxby Downs
    Naracoorte Lucindale Council
    Port Augusta City Council
    Port Pirie Regional Council
    Regional Council of Goyder
    Southern Mallee District Council
    Tatiara District Council
    Town of Gawler
    Wakefield Regional Council

    Adelaide City Council
    Adelaide Hills Council
    Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
    Campbelltown City Council
    City of Burnside
    City of Charles Sturt
    City of Holdfast Bay
    City of Marion
    City of Mitcham
    City of Mt Gambier
    City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters
    City of Onkaparinga
    City of Port Adelaide Enfield
    City of Prospect
    City of Unley
    City of Victor Harbor
    City of West Torrens
    Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
    Corporation of the Town of Walkerville
    District Council Ceduna
    District Council of Cleve
    District Council of Coober Pedy
    District Council of Franklin Harbour
    District Council of Grant
    District Council of Karoonda East Murray
    District Council of Kimba
    District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula
    District Council of Mallala
    District Council of Mt Barker
    District Council of Mt Remarkable
    District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
    District Council of Peterborough
    District Council of Streaky Bay
    District Council of Tumby Bay
    District Council of Yankalilla
    Kangaroo Island Council
    Northern Areas Council
    Rural City of Murray Bridge
    Wattle Range Council
    Wudinna District Council

  • Plastic Strapping

    If plastic strapping is loose it needs to go in the general waste bin.

    It can go in the Yellow Recycling Bin if you are able to place these items into a large plastic bottle like a plastic milk bottle, plastic juice bottle, plastic detergent bottle or any other clean plastic bottle and place this into your Yellow Dry Recycling Bin once the bottle is full.

    Please contact your council who will advise if you are still unsure.


  • Polystyrene

    Although not recyclable through kerbside systems, there are several drop off points where householders can recycle expanded polystyrene (styrofoam).

    These are listed in the search here.

    If this isn’t possible for you to use these, then please place it in the general waste to landfill bin.

    Foam meat trays, cups and takeaway food packaging:can be placed in the general waste to landfill bin (blue or red lid).

    Large pieces of packaging foam: if dropping it off for recycling isn't an option for you, then please place it in the general waste to landfill bin (blue or red lid).

    Note:To prevent polystyrene from becoming lodged and stuck inside the bin, blocking materials from being emptied, please ensure that the polystyrene is placed inside of a plastic bag and then broken up into small pieces. Make sure the bag is tied at the top to prevent pieces from falling out and expel any air inside of the bag before sealing it.

    You could also try returning it to the store where you purchased the goods from eg. Harvey Norman, Good Guys, Bunnings etc and ask them to recycle the packaging. They are likely to have a compactor for the polystyrene at their premises and will then send this off for recycling as it is much cheaper to recycle it than pay for a landfill skip for it. It also encourages these retailers to put pressure back on their suppliers to choose more sustainable and easily recyclable packaging such as moulded cardboard instead.

  • Printer and toner cartridges

    Printer cartridges may contain electronic components and should not be put into your landfill bin. There are companies who may be happy to take the empty cartridges back from you as they can refill or re manufacture them for on selling. The other option is to put the cartridges into the Planet Ark Close the Loop box at your local post office or cartridge retailer. Please go to http://cartridges.planetark.org/  to find out where you are able to find a Planet Ark box.

  • R
  • Rags

    Stained, torn or soiled clothing, textiles and rags can be reused for cleaning rags. If the item is past reuse, it should go in the waste bin only.

    For good quality, clean garments, please refer to the "Clothing Items" category.

    COVID-19 Temporary Update: Listed Drop off locations may be closed due to COVID-19 crisis. If the site is closed, please do not leave donations/materials unattended at site. Call ahead to see if site is able to take materials during this time, alternatively hold onto your donations until the site is re-opened.

  • Retail receipt

    All receipts are printed on a plastic composite that contains BPA. They should not be placed in the green or yellow bin.
     

  • Rope

    Rope goes in the General Waste Bin.

  • Rubber
  • S
  • Sharps

    The EPA has strict regulations on the disposal of medical waste of all types. In the Environment Protection (Waste to Resources) Policy 2010

    Section 18 – Disposal of medical sharps it states:

    (1) A person must not dispose of medical sharps by -

    (a) depositing medical sharps in a receptacle provided by a council for collection by a kerbside waste collection service; or

    (b) placing medical sharps for collection as a part of a kerbside waste collection service provided by a council.

    Mandatory provision: Category D offence.

    (2) In this clause -

    medical sharp includes needles, hypodermic needles, syringes with needles or other surgical instruments that have been used in a domestic situation for medical purposes.


  • Smoke detectors

    In accordance with international best practice, disposal of small quantities of smoke alarms that contain radioactive material in domestic waste in South Australia was made legal in early 2009 under provisions of the Radiation Protection and Control Act 1982, administered by the Radiation Protection Branch. An exemption under the Act permits up to 2 smoke alarms to be disposed into domestic waste during any period of 7 days.

    When a smoke alarm is disposed in domestic waste it is ultimately dispersed throughout a large volume of waste at the landfill or bale-fill waste disposal site. The small amount of radioactive material in smoke alarms is not a health hazard. It does not present a radiation risk to personnel involved in waste handling at resource recovery facilities, landfill and bale-fill operations, the public or the environment.

    The health and environmental impacts of disposal of smoke alarms in domestic waste are negligible and less than the potential impacts from collection and keeping them in storage.

    Having acknowledged the negligible risks to people and the environment, several international regulatory authorities have approved the disposal of smoke alarms containing radioactive material in domestic waste. These include the National Radiation Protection Board in the United Kingdom, the National Radiation Laboratory in New Zealand, and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the United States of America.

    All states and territories of Australia now permit the public to dispose of smoke alarms in domestic waste.

    To view the complete information go to http://www.epa.sa.gov.au/environmental_info/waste_management/smoke_detectors .

  • Soft plastic

    Soft plastics should only go in your red/blue landfill bin, never in your yellow recycling bin or green organics bin.

    If a bag is certified compostable, that is, it has the AS-4736 Australian Standard 'seedling' logo (pictured below) printed on it, then it is safe to go in your green organics bin. These bags are designed to break down in a commercial composting facility.


  • Solar Panel - Photovoltaic (PV)

    Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels

    These are a new type of Solar Panel and the usual reason at the moment for the need to dispose of these is only due to breakage. There is research being done in this area and there may be interstate companies who are introducing recycling processes for these item however in SA this technology is not available for the consumer. Unfortunately this item would need to go into the landfill. When having these replaced please ask your installers if they can take the old ones away for you. They may take them away and it is possible that they will send interstate for recycling but it is unlikely. . You could contact your local council and have them advise you on how to dispose of them. It is likely that you will need to pay for them to be taken at the waste transfer station or perhaps the council will allow you to put them into your waste bin if they will fit.

  • Solar Panel - Wet Cell Type for Water Heating Solar System

    Solar Panel Wet Cell Type

    These are the panels that are used to heat water in the home. They are made of Metal, Glass, Copper and PVC piping. When having these replaced please ask your installers if they can take the old ones away for you. They will likely be able to do this and they will take the copper and any clean metal out of the units and dispose of broken glass and metal that cannot come out into a commercial waste pick up service. If they will not take the old ones away then you will need to dispose of these yourself. You could contact your local council and have them advise you on how to dispose of them. It is likely that you will need to pay for them to be taken at the waste transfer station or perhaps the council will allow you to put them into your waste bin if they will fit.

  • Straws – compostable

    Compostable straws include straws made from paper, rice, pasta, wheat, grass, rye and seaweed, and should be placed in the green organics bin, or your home composting system.

  • Straws – plastic

    Plastic straws should be placed in the red/blue landfill bin.

    Plastic straws were prohibited from sale and distribution in South Australia on 1 March 2021, with an exemption for people who require single-use straws due to disability or health needs.

  • T
  • Tampon

    Tampons should not be flushed down the toilet and should be put into your waste bin.

  • Tea Light Candle

    These go in the General Waste Bin.

  • Tin Can
  • Tins
  • Tissue

    Most Council's accept tissue and paper towel in the Green Organics Recycling bin.

    If your Council does not provide a Green Organics Recycling Bin then you will need to put these items into the Waste Bin.

  • Treated timber

    Waste BinWaste Transfer station only, or landfill. Never in the Green Bin if it's treated timber.

  • Tyre

    Look for your nearest tyre recycler HERE

    If you’re buying a new tyre, your retailer may accept your old one for recycling – check directly with them. Otherwise, call your council and check to see if they accept tyres at a depot or transfer station, and if any fee applies. 


  • U
  • UHT Tetra Pak Containers

    In all South Australian councils, small juice and flavoured milk containers attract a 10 cent deposit and should be returned to your local recycler for a refund.

    In these councils, Tetra Pak containers can be placed in the general waste bin:
    In these councils, Tetra Pak containers can be placed in the yellow recycling bin (after removing the lid and spout):

    Alexandrina Council
    Barossa Council
    Berri Barmera Council
    City of Holdfast Bay
    City of Marion
    City of Onkaparinga
    City of Playford
    City of Port Lincoln
    City of Salisbury
    City of Tea Tree Gully
    City of Victor Harbor
    Coorong District Council
    Corporation of the City of Whyalla
    District Council of Barunga West
    District Council of Copper Coast
    District Council of Elliston
    District Council of Loxton Waikerie
    District Council of Renmark Paringa
    District Council of Robe
    District Council of Yankalilla
    District Council of Yorke Peninsula
    Flinders Ranges Council
    Kangaroo Island Council
    Kingston District Council
    Light Regional Council
    Mid Murray Council
    Municipal Council of Roxby Downs
    Naracoorte Lucindale Council
    Port Augusta City Council
    Port Pirie Regional Council
    Regional Council of Goyder
    Southern Mallee District Council
    Tatiara District Council
    Town of Gawler
    Wakefield Regional Council

    Adelaide City Council
    Adelaide Hills Council
    Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara
    Campbelltown City Council
    City of Burnside
    City of Charles Sturt
    City of Mitcham
    City of Mt Gambier
    City of Norwood, Payneham & St Peters
    City of Port Adelaide Enfield
    City of Prospect
    City of Unley
    City of West Torrens
    Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council
    Corporation of the Town of Walkerville
    District Council Ceduna
    District Council of Cleve
    District Council of Coober Pedy
    District Council of Franklin Harbour
    District Council of Grant
    District Council of Karoonda East Murray
    District Council of Kimba
    District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula
    District Council of Mallala
    District Council of Mt Barker
    District Council of Mt Remarkable
    District Council of Orroroo Carrieton
    District Council of Peterborough
    District Council of Streaky Bay
    District Council of Tumby Bay
    Northern Areas Council
    Rural City of Murray Bridge
    Wattle Range Council
    Wudinna District Council
  • V
  • Vegetables

    If your council provides you with a Green Organics bin you may deposit all food scraps into that bin. If your council does not provide you with a Green Organics bin you will need to put this waste into your landfill waste bin.

  • Video tape and cassette tape

    Please check with your local Councils transfer station.  They may have an E-Waste drop off point and may classify these items as E-Waste.

     

  • W
  • White goods

    refrigerators, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, stoves, microwave ovens and range hoods are all considered to be whitegoods

  • Wine bottles
  • Wine corks
    Try donating your wine corks to a local school for craft and education activities!
  • Wipes - Cleaning & Personal

    These go in the General Waste Bin.

  • Wooden pallets

    Broken down and in the Green Organics bin or contact the supplier or manufacturer for collection.

  • X
  • X-Ray films

    X-Ray films can be dropped off at:

    Ecocycle
    1A Portsmouth Ct, Gillman SA 5015 (open Monday to Friday, 7 am to 5 pm)

    You can also check with your local council to see if they have a drop-off service available.