Recycling
What goes in your yellow bin
Whether you live in a house or an apartment in the City of Sydney, you can recycle a range of containers, paper and cardboard.
Containers and packaging
Containers made of aluminium, steel, plastic and glass can be recycled. Once collected, your recycling is sorted, separated and then reprocessed at another location. Potential uses vary - for example, plastics are used to make winter fleeces and aluminium is used to build bicycles or boats.
Examples of items we recycle include:
- aluminium and steel tins/cans
- aerosol cans
- glass bottles and jars
- plastic soft-drink and water bottles
- plastic food containers, tubs and trays
- juice and milk cartons and bottles
- 'Tetra pak' drink containers.
Did you know?
The number in the triangle identifies the type of plastic a container is made from, not whether or not it is recyclable.
Items we can't accept
The following items can't be recycled:
- plastic bags (they contaminate recycling and jam machinery)
- polystyrene such as meat trays and foam packaging
- light globes, mirrors and window glass
- crockery, drinking glasses and Pyrex
- sharps and syringes
- nappies.
Did you know?
It is still best to rinse containers, remove lids and crush cans and plastic before putting them in your recycling bin.
For more information on what can and can't be recycled, download our waste and recycling guide.
Paper and cardboard
You can recycle all sorts of paper and cardboard items including those listed below.
- newspapers and magazines (staples are fine)
- advertising material (remove plastic wrap)
- phone books
- egg cartons
- envelopes (even those with clear plastic windows)
- cardboard boxes.
We can't recycle waxed or cardboard containers with food scraps, tissue paper and napkins. Pizza boxes can be recycled if they aren't caked in food.
Did you know?
Telephone books can be recycled into kitty litter. You can choose to opt out of receiving the yellow pages through Directory Select or call 1800 008 292.
Recycling guides
You can download a waste and recycling guide in English or a range of community languages if you need more details about our services.
Links
Directory SelectLast updated: Tuesday, 21 May 2013