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A-Z recycling and disposal guide

Most recycling options listed are free of charge. Some fees are incurred for certain items disposed of at our recycling and waste depots, please refer to our page on depot disposal costs for more information.

many items in your home such as furniture, sporting equipment, bathware, kitchenware and more can be taken to a buy-back centre
for items not on this list please visit Planet Ark's Recycling Near You site or contact the Recycling & Waste Services team
all recyclables that go into your yellow-lid bin must be empty
any item that can go into your yellow-lid bin can also be taken to our recycling and waste depots for free

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

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

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

Contain various hazardous materials including refrigerant which has ozone-depleting substances. It is a legal requirement to have the refrigerant removed by an authorised recycler.

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 effect soil composition (which effects 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

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 28 August 2024

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 is recycled for scrap metal.

Batteries (car)

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and receiving facilities. Batteries that end up in landfill can leak toxic materials into waterways and ecosystems.

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at Council's recycling and waste depots.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted, treated and safely disposed of. Recycling hazardous waste keeps toxic materials out of our environment, meaning less air, water, and soil pollution.

Batteries (household)

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

Recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Visit B-cycle for a list of retailers providing battery recycling drop off bins.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at Council's recycling and waste depots and B-cycle participating retailers.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Last updated on 28 August 2024

Batteries (mobile phone)

Recycle via the Community Recycling Centres (CRCs) at Council's Recycling and Waste Depots.

Visit Mobile Muster for participating drop off locations.

Never place batteries into either kerbside bin as they are a potential fire hazard in the collection truck and facilities. Mobile phone batteries tend to ignite and burn if they are placed under pressure and are one of the primary causes of fire in materials recycling facilities.

Last updated on 25 October 2021

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

Safely store your loose bean bag foam balls away from children and pets until you can dispose of them.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cans (food and beverage)

Before you throw it out

Empty contents. Rinse can 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 into indefinitely.

Both materials go to their specialised recyclers, located both in Australia and overseas.

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

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

CDs and DVDs

Before you throw it out

Consider donating to an Op-shop.

How/where to dispose of it

May be accepted at Council's buy-back centres.

Recycle via Officeworks.

Alternatively dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Buy-Back centre items are sold for reuse.

Contents of the red lid bin go straight to landfill.

Last updated on 28 August 2024

Cellophane

Cellophane is a single-use plastic.

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.

Clothing

Australians buy more clothes per person that any other country. Textile waste is becoming one of the biggest waste to landfill issues worldwide.

Before you throw it out

Good quality clothing (would you give it to a friend?) can be donated to Op-shops.

How/where to dispose of it

Textile recycling is available at all Council recycling and waste depots. Find out what textiles we accept.

Alternatively dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Textile recycling at the depots is free.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Find our more about our textile recycling partnership.

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Chemicals

Chemicals are hazardous to the environment. They can alter the balance of ecosystems resulting in a harmful effect on plants and marine life. They can also affect human health if not disposed of properly. 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?

Christmas Decorations

Christmas decorations are made of plastics, glass and other composite materials that cannot be recycled. This includes bon bons, tinsel and baubles.

Before you throw it out

Consider reuse and donate to an Op-shop.

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.

Coat Hangers (metal)

Metal coat hangers cannot be recycled in your yellow lid bin as they interfere and get caught in the machinery at the sorting facility.

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Metal coat hangers can be recycled at Council’s recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Metal coat hangers are recycled as scrap metal.

Last updated on 06 September 2024

Crockery

Before you throw it out

Crockery in good condition consider donating to an Op-shop.

How/where to dispose of it

May be accepted at Council's buy-back centre.

Broken crockery dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Buy-back centre items are sold for reuse.

Contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

Coat Hangers (plastic)

Before you throw it out

Consider reuse and donate to an Op-shop

How/where to dispose of it

Broken coat hangers dispose of into your red lin 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.

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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

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

Asbestos

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 we receive it?

Related Links

Batteries (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?

Batteries (mobile phone)

Bean Bag Foam Balls

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

Binding & Strapping

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

Building Waste

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

Books (paperback, hardcover and magazines)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it