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A-Z recycling and disposal guide

Most of the recycling options available in this list are free.

Please remember to put all your recyclables into your yellow lid bin, loosely. Never package them into a plastic bag and then place into your yellow lid bin.

Most of what you will find in your household is on this list but if there is still something you are looking for call the Waste Services Team on 1300 291 111 or email us on WasteAdmin@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

Acids and Alkalis

These materials are hazardous to the environment. They can alter the balance of ecosystems resulting in a harmful effect on plants and marine life. Keep out of both your kerbside bins.

Before you throw it out

Safely store your chemical waste in clearly labelled containers, in a cool dry place away from children and pets until you can dispose of them at a Chemical CleanOut event .

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of at a Chemical CleanOut event .

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at any Chemical Cleanout event.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Chemicals are sent to specialised recyclers to be recycled into re-usable chemicals or safely disposed of. Recycling hazardous waste keeps these chemicals out of our environment, meaning less air, water, and soil pollution.

Aerosol cans (garage)

Aerosol cans containing butane, paint and other accelerants. These materials are hazardous to the environment. Keep out of both your kerbside bins.

Before you throw it out

Safely store in a cool dry place away from children and pets until you can dispose of them.

How/where to dispose of it

Empty, partially empty or full aerosol cans are to be recycled via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council’s recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

They are sent to specialised recyclers where the contents are recycled where possible or disposed of safely.

The metal cans are recycled with other scrap metal.

Aerosol cans (household)

Aerosol cans containing butane, paint and other accelerants are hazardous to the environment. Keep out of both your kerbside bins. See aerosol cans (garage).

Before you throw it out

Remove and dispose of lid into the red lid bin.

How/where to dispose of it

Empty household aerosol cans (eg: hairspray, flyspray, cooking oil) recycle via the yellow lid bin.

Partially empty or full aerosol cans are to be recycled via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council’s recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

The metal cans are recycled with other scrap metal.

Air Conditioners

Contains refrigerant gas which must be removed by an authorized contractor.

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via Council’s recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

A small refrigerant removal (degassing) fee will apply.

What happens to it after we receive it?

The air conditioners have their refrigerant gas removed by a licenced contractor. They are then recycled as scrap metal.

Aluminium Cans

Before you throw it out

Empty contents.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin or Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Aluminium can be recycled into aluminium indefinitely.

Aluminium goes to the aluminium recyclers, located both in Australia and overseas.

Aluminium Foil

Some 'foil like' products such as chip packs and medicine blister packs contain plastic and/or other mixed materials and must be disposed of into your red lid bin.

Before you throw it out

Clean foil only. Collect and squash to the minimum size of a tennis ball.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Aluminium can be recycled into aluminium indefinitely.

Aluminium goes to the aluminium recyclers, located both in Australia and overseas.

Ammonia Based Cleaners

Ammonia is hazardous to the environment as it can affect soil composition (which affects vegetation) and aquatic ecosystems. Keep out of both your kerbside bins.

Before you throw it out

Safely store your chemical waste in clearly labelled containers, in a cool dry place away from children and pets until you can dispose of them at a Chemical CleanOut event.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of at a Chemical CleanOut event .

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at any Chemical Cleanout event.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Ammunition

Contact your local Police Station.

Last updated on 15 October 2021

Animal Carcasses (large)

Horses, cows and other large animals are only accepted by pre-arrangement at West Nowra Recycling and Waste Depot for disposal.

Contact Council to arrange a disposal.

Last updated on 22 October 2021

Asbestos

Asbestos is highly dangerous to human health and must be disposed of in accordance to NSW regulations. Never place asbestos in your kerbside bins.

Asbestos is accepted for disposal at West Nowra and Ulladulla recycling and waste depots by pre-arrangement only.

Find out how to arrange and safely dispose of asbestos.

Last updated on 27 September 2024

Baking Paper

Baking paper contains a heat-resistant, non-stick coating that is not recyclable or compostable.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Balloons

Balloons are made from either rubber or plastic (even the “foil” ones). Balloons are a single-use product. Escaped balloons can end up in our oceans and are extremely hazardous to marine life. Please find reusable alternatives.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Barbecues (BBQs)

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

If in good condition may be accepted at Council's buy-back centres.

Recycle via Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. However if a BBQ contains a large amount of timber or plastic there may be a fee.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Metal can be recycled indefinitely.

Metal goes to the metal recyclers located both in Australia and overseas.

Batteries (car)

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities.

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

Some auto retailers will accept car batteries for recycling including

Super Cheap Auto
Battery World

Also ask your local service station or car workshop if they will accept car batteries.

Alternatively, recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after it's received?

Nearly all materials in batteries can be recycled. The batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted and treated. Non-recyclables are safely disposed of.

Recycling batteries reduces dependency on resources and keeps toxic materials out of our environment.

Batteries (household)

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities.

What are household batteries?

Loose handheld (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V and button cell batteries, as well as detachable appliance, power tool or device batteries).

Before you throw it out

If battery terminals touch, they can spark and catch fire. To prevent this, tape the terminals of used batteries. Always use clear sticky tape.

How/where to dispose of it

Many major retailers offer battery recycling drop off bins including

Woolworths
Coles
Aldi
Bunnings
Mitre 10
JB Hi-Fi
Battery World
some IGA stores

Find more participating retailers here.

Alternatively, recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after it's received?

Recycling batteries reduces dependency on resources and keeps toxic materials out of our environment.

Bean Bag Foam Balls

These materials are hazardous to the environment. They can alter the balance of ecosystems resulting in a harmful effect on plants and marine life.

Before you throw it out

Bag your loose bean bag balls before disposal.

Loose bean bag balls can escape easily, becoming litter as well as be a choking hazard to children and pets.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Bicycles

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

If in good condition may be accepted at Council's buy-back centres.

Recycle via Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Metal is recycled for scrap metal.

Buy-Back centre items are sold for reuse.

Binding & Strapping

Commonly used around cardboard boxes.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Biodegradable packaging

Keep biodegradable packaging out of your yellow lid recycling bin.

Packaging marked biodegradable or compostable contains a lining which is often made of plastic.

In most cases biodegradable packaging is only suitable for composting via a commercial facility and is not suitable for a home compost bin.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

The contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Books (paperback, hardcover and magazines)

Before you throw it out

Consider reuse. Donate to Op-shops or street libraries.

May be accepted at Council buy-back centres.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin. Please be aware that kerbside bins have a 60kg limit.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Paper is sent to VISY, Australia's largest paper recycler and manufacturer.

Boxes (cardboard)

Please note: Waxed cardboard boxes used for fruit and vegetables cannot be recycled and are to be disposed of into your red lid bin.

Before you throw it out

Cardboard is to be free of food and debris.

Flatten cardboard boxes before disposal.

Remove masking tape and labels where possible.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin or Council's Recycling and Waste Depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Cardboard is sent to VISY, Australia's largest cardboard recycler and manufacturer.

Bubble Wrap

Consider re-using for protecting fragile items during storage, moving or gifting.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Building Waste

Keep out of both your kerbside bins. Beware of asbestos when renovating.

Before you throw it out

Sort your building waste to save money. You will be charged less for recyclables.

How/where to dispose of it

Council's recycling and waste depots. Find out about disposing of building waste.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

It depends on what it is you are disposing of. Recyclables are no charge or lesser charge. Find out depot disposal costs.

What happens to it after we receive it?

What can be recycled will be. Non-recyclable building waste goes straight to landfill.

Cans (food and beverage)

Before you throw it out

Empty contents. Rinse food cans with used dishwater.

Labels do not need to be removed.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin or Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Aluminium and metal can be recycled indefinitely.

Both materials go to specialised recyclers, located across NSW and Victoria.

Caravans

Dispose of via Council's Recycling and Waste Depots.

Fees apply.

Call Council's Waste Services on 1300 293 111 for more information.

Last updated on 24 August 2023

Cardboard

Please note: Waxed cardboard boxes used for fruit and vegetables cannot be recycled and are to be disposed of into your red lid bin.

Before you throw it out

Cardboard is to be free of food and debris.

Flatten cardboard before disposal.

Remove masking tape and labels where possible.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via the yellow lid bin or Council's Recycling and Waste Depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Cardboard is sent to VISY, Australia's largest cardboard recycler and manufacturer.

Cardboard (tube cans)

Tube cans are considered a "composite material" as they are made of varying amounts of cardboard, metal and/or plastic which cannot be separated at the recycling facility. These tubes CANNOT be recycled via your yellow lid bin.

range of cardboard tube packaging.jpg

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Carpet

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

Yes. Carpet is charged as domestic waste. See our depot disposal costs.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Carpet cannot be recycled. It will go to landfill.

Cars

Contact local auto wreckers or scrap metal merchants in your area.

Alternatively, some tow truck businesses may be able to pick up your car and, depending on the market for scrap at the time, provide a small payment.

Last updated on 15 October 2021

Cat & Kitty Litter

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Last updated on 13 September 2024

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A-Z recycling and disposal guide

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Acids and Alkalis

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aerosol cans (garage)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aerosol cans (household)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Air Conditioners

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aluminium Cans

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aluminium Foil

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Ammonia Based Cleaners

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Ammunition

Animal Carcasses (large)

Asbestos

Baking Paper

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Balloons

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Barbecues (BBQs)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Batteries (car)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after it's received?

Related Links

Batteries (household)

What are household batteries?

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after it's received?

Related Links

Bean Bag Foam Balls

Before you throw it out