With a national recycling rate of 60%, it’s clear that Aussies know the importance of recycling.
But do we really know what can and can’t be recycled?
It’s estimated that 20% of all public recycling bins are contaminated by non-recyclables, so it seems that some of us are still unsure.
So, to clear things up once and for all, here’s our guide to what can and can’t be recycled.
You might not have heard of wish-cycling, but you might already be guilty of it.
In fact, over 40% of all Australians have admitted to wish-cycling.
Wish-cycling is the act of tossing stuff into the recycling bin with the assumption (or wish) that it can be recycled, without actually being sure that it can. However innocent this may seem, it has led to the creation of bigger problems down the recycling line.
You see, though wish-cycling carries with it good intentions, it’s not so great in practice. It complicates the recycling process by mixing the actual recyclables with materials that don’t belong, like greasy pizza boxes or non-recyclable plastics. So, instead of making recycling easier, wish-cycling makes it trickier, more expensive, and less effective.
According to the University of Sydney (2022), wish-cycling costs our nation’s economy about $1 billion each year.
It would be such a shame if all our recycling efforts went to waste because of wish-cycling. Skip the wishful thinking and let’s find out how to recycle only what’s truly recyclable.
When it comes to recycling in Australia, the good news is that most common materials can be responsibly processed and reused. Understanding what can be recycled will make all the difference in our collective efforts to promote sustainability and protect the environment for future generations.
Like we’ve mentioned earlier, not everything belongs in the recycling bin. Some items should never find their way into recycling bins, as they can cause more harm than good.
Contaminants are a recycling facility’s worst enemy. Rubbish, such as food waste and liquids, can ruin an entire batch of recyclables. When food residue or liquid gets mixed with paper, cardboard, or other materials, it creates a soggy mess that renders everything unrecyclable.
To prevent this, ensure that your recyclables are clean and dry before placing them in the recycling bin. Let containers that you’ve rinsed out air dry first so that they won’t contribute to unwanted contamination.
Certain materials simply don’t belong in the recycling bin because of their potential to hamper the recycling process. Plastic bags and Styrofoam are prime examples of being such culprits. These items can wreak havoc on recycling machinery, causing jams and disruptions in the sorting process.
They are best disposed of through alternative means, such as designated drop-off locations or waste-to-energy facilities.
Hazardous waste, including batteries and chemicals, poses a serious threat to both the recycling process and the environment. Batteries, when improperly disposed of, can leak harmful substances. Similarly, chemicals can contaminate recyclables and endanger workers.
Always follow local regulations for the safe disposal of hazardous waste, whether it’s through specialised collection programs or facilities, to ensure the safety of recycling personnel and protect the environment.
Recycling isn’t one-size-fits-all – recycling rules can differ significantly from one area to another. What’s accepted in Sydney might not be the same as in Parramatta. For more information on what can or can’t be recycled, be sure to check your local council’s recycling guidelines.
Alright, let’s take this to a landing. Remember, recycling can help our environment, but it has to be done right.
Avoid wish-cycling your waste and tossing out stuff that doesn’t belong – improper disposal of these items will only make the recycling process more difficult and put all our efforts to waste.
Speaking of responsible recycling, if you ever find yourself in need of efficient and eco-friendly waste removal solutions, consider Ridly, your local rubbish removal experts. Our experienced team of removalists will ensure that your rubbish ends up in the right bin, whether to be recycled or disposed of safely. Contact us today to get your rubbish removed, even on the same day!
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