Australian recycling can be confusing. With different rules across states, councils, and even individual areas, it's no wonder many households struggle to know what goes where. This comprehensive guide breaks down the Australian recycling system, explains what's actually recyclable, and helps you avoid common mistakes that contaminate recycling streams.
How Australian Recycling Works
Australia operates a kerbside recycling system managed by local councils, which contract private companies to collect and process recyclable materials. When you place items in your yellow-lid bin, they're taken to a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) where they're sorted, processed, and sold to manufacturers for reuse.
The effectiveness of this system depends entirely on the quality of materials collected. When non-recyclable items contaminate the stream—a process called "wishcycling"—they can cause entire loads to be rejected and sent to landfill. This is why understanding what's actually recyclable is so important.
The Standard Australian Bin System
Most Australian councils use a three-bin system, though some now offer a fourth bin for food organics and garden organics (FOGO).
Yellow Lid Bin (Recycling)
Your recycling bin accepts:
- Paper and cardboard (flattened)
- Glass bottles and jars
- Aluminium and steel cans
- Rigid plastic containers (types 1, 2, and 5 in most areas)
- Milk and juice cartons
Red Lid Bin (General Waste)
Items that cannot be recycled go here:
- Soft plastics (bags, wrappers, cling film)
- Nappies and sanitary products
- Broken ceramics and cookware
- Textiles and clothing
- Food waste (unless you have FOGO)
Green Lid Bin (Garden/FOGO)
Garden organics bins accept:
- Grass clippings and leaves
- Small branches and twigs
- Flowers and weeds
- In FOGO areas: food scraps, meat, dairy, and compostable packaging
Recycling rules vary by council. Always check your local council's website for specific guidelines. Some councils accept items others don't, and placing the wrong items in your bin can result in fines or service refusal.
Common Recycling Mistakes
Even well-intentioned recyclers make mistakes. Here are the most common errors and how to avoid them.
Soft Plastics in Recycling
Soft plastics—anything you can scrunch into a ball—cannot go in kerbside recycling. This includes bread bags, chip packets, bubble wrap, and plastic wrap. These items tangle in sorting machinery and contaminate entire loads. Instead, collect soft plastics separately and take them to REDcycle collection points at Coles and Woolworths.
Food-Contaminated Containers
Recyclables must be empty and relatively clean. A pizza box with grease stains, a peanut butter jar with residue, or a yoghurt container with food inside will contaminate paper recycling. Rinse containers quickly—they don't need to be spotless, but should be free of food residue.
Plastic Bags Containing Recyclables
Never bag your recyclables in plastic bags. Items should be placed loose in the bin. When recyclables arrive in bags, sorting facilities often can't process them, and the entire bag goes to landfill.
Small Items
Items smaller than a credit card—bottle caps, straws, small plastic pieces—fall through sorting machinery and end up in landfill regardless of material. Either attach caps to bottles or dispose of small items in general waste.
Not sure if plastic is "soft" or "rigid"? Try scrunching it. If it stays scrunched, it's soft plastic and doesn't go in kerbside recycling. If it springs back, it's rigid plastic and likely recyclable (check the number).
State-by-State Variations
While the basic principles apply nationally, each state has specific programs and rules worth knowing.
New South Wales
NSW has robust FOGO programs in many councils, accepting food scraps in the green bin. The state's Container Deposit Scheme (Return and Earn) offers 10 cents for eligible bottles and cans returned to collection points.
Victoria
Victoria is rolling out a four-bin system statewide, with separate glass collection in purple-lid bins to improve glass recycling quality. The Container Deposit Scheme launches in 2026.
Queensland
Queensland's Containers for Change scheme pays 10 cents per eligible container. The state is expanding FOGO programs, though coverage varies by council.
South Australia
SA pioneered container deposits in Australia and has strong recycling rates. Many councils offer excellent FOGO programs, and the state is a leader in organic waste diversion.
Western Australia
WA's Containers for Change offers 10 cents per container. The state is expanding three-bin FOGO systems, with Perth councils progressively adopting the program.
Problem Items: Where They Really Go
Some items commonly placed in recycling bins don't belong there. Here's how to properly dispose of tricky waste.
Electronic Waste
E-waste (phones, computers, batteries, appliances) contains hazardous materials and valuable recoverable resources. Never put e-waste in household bins. Instead, use council e-waste collection days or drop-off points at retailers like Officeworks.
Textiles and Clothing
Clothing doesn't belong in any household bin. Donate wearable items to charity shops, use clothing recycling bins, or check if your council offers textile collection.
Batteries
Batteries are hazardous waste. Collect them separately and take to battery recycling points at Aldi, Battery World, or council facilities. Never put batteries in household bins.
Medication
Unused medications should be returned to pharmacies through the Return Unwanted Medicines (RUM) program. Never flush or bin medications.
- Always check your local council's guidelines—rules vary significantly
- Soft plastics don't go in kerbside recycling—take them to REDcycle
- Rinse containers and flatten cardboard before recycling
- Never bag recyclables in plastic bags
- When in doubt, leave it out—contamination harms the whole system
- Use container deposit schemes for bottles and cans
- E-waste, batteries, and textiles need special disposal
Making Recycling a Habit
The key to successful recycling is making it convenient. Set up a system in your home with clearly labelled bins for different waste streams. Keep soft plastics separate for REDcycle trips. Flatten cardboard as you go. Make rinsing containers part of your dishwashing routine.
Remember, recycling is just one part of the waste hierarchy. Before recycling, consider whether you can refuse, reduce, or reuse. The most sustainable choice is often avoiding waste creation in the first place.
Australia's recycling system isn't perfect, but when we all do our part correctly, it works. By understanding the rules and avoiding common mistakes, you help ensure recyclable materials actually get recycled—turning waste into valuable resources for a more sustainable future.