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Can I Recycle That? An Updated Guide to Reducing, Reusing and Recycling

Yes Property Agents

Can I Recycle That?

Recycling is an essential part of waste management that helps reduce the strain on natural resources and minimises environmental impact. However, recycling rules can vary depending on local facilities and regulations. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you understand what can typically be recycled and how to reduce and reuse effectively.

🔵 Blue Bin

  • Office paper, magazines, newspapers, and junk mail
  • Unsoiled, clean cardboard
Pizza box tip: Tear off clean parts and recycle them. Soiled cardboard goes to compost or red bin.

🟡 Yellow Bin

  • Green, clear, and brown glass bottles and jars
  • Juice and milk cartons
  • All hard plastic bottles and containers marked with recycling symbols (no lids)
  • Steel (tin) and aluminium cans and empty aerosols

Items That Cannot Be Recycled

Plastic bags or recyclables inside plastic bags
Takeaway coffee cups
Disposable nappies
Garden waste – straight to the green bin!
Polystyrene (foam) and bubble wrap
Syringes or medical waste
Dead animals or oils
Ceramics, ovenware or light bulbs

Material-by-Material Guide

Paper & Cardboard

✅ Recyclable

Office paper, newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes, and paper packaging.

❌ Non-Recyclable

Paper towels, tissues, greasy pizza boxes, and wax-coated paper.

💡 Tip: Remove plastic tape from boxes, flatten them, and keep paper products dry.

Plastics

✅ Recyclable

Bottles, containers, jugs (usually marked #1 and #2).

❌ Non-Recyclable

Plastic bags, film wrap, Styrofoam, and items without a recycling symbol.

💡 Tip: Rinse out any food residue. Do not crush bottles as this makes them harder to sort.

Glass

✅ Recyclable

Bottles and jars of any colour.

❌ Non-Recyclable

Windows, mirrors, light bulbs, and ceramics.

💡 Tip: Rinse out any residue and remove lids or caps.

Special Items

🔋 Batteries

Lead acid batteries are 98% recyclable and hazardous if not handled correctly. Drop-off points at Aldi, Repco, Battery World, or Super Cheap Auto.

📱 Mobile Phones

Only 3% of mobile phones are recycled. Look for mobile phone recycling drop-off programs in your area.

🌿 Garden Waste

Use your green bin for garden organics and food scraps, or start composting or a worm farm.

👕 Clothing

Donate to St Vincent de Paul, Salvation Army, or The Smith Family. The RSPCA often accepts blankets in winter.

🖨️ Printer Cartridges

Drop off at Officeworks, Australia Post, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, and JB Hi-Fi stores.

Reducing and Reusing

Reduce

Buy in Bulk: Reduce packaging waste by purchasing items in bulk.
Avoid Single-Use Items: Opt for reusable bags, bottles, and containers.
Minimal Packaging: Select products with less packaging or easily recyclable packaging.

Reuse

Repurpose Containers: Use jars, bottles, and boxes for storage or DIY projects.
Donate: Give gently used clothing, furniture, and electronics to charity.
Upcycle: Get creative with old items — turn old t-shirts into cleaning rags.

💡 Tips for Effective Recycling

  • Cleanliness: Ensure items are free of food and liquid residue to avoid contamination.
  • Separation: Follow local guidelines for separating recyclables.
  • Education: Stay informed about changes in recycling regulations and new opportunities for reducing waste.

You can print a Recycle Right poster to display in your school, workplace or home from the Queanbeyan Council website.

How We Can Help

If you're considering a Yes Property Agent to manage your property or thinking of selling and want to understand current market conditions, why not chat with one of our friendly agents?