A-Z recycling and disposal guide

Most of the recycling options available in this list are free. 

Please remember to put all your recyclables into your yellow lid bin, loosely. Never package them into a plastic bag and then place into your yellow lid bin.

Most of what you will find in your household is on this list but if there is still something you are looking for call the Waste Services Team on 1300 293 111 or email WasteAdmin@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au

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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.

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Last updated on 02 October 2024

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

Before you throw it out

Safely store in a cool dry place away from children and pets until you can dispose of them.

How/where to dispose of it 

Empty, 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?

They are sent to specialised recyclers where the contents are recycled where possible or disposed of safely.

The metal cans are recycled with other scrap metal.

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Last updated on 27 September 2024

Aerosol cans containing butane, paint and other accelerants are hazardous to the environment. Keep out of both your kerbside bins. See aerosol cans (garage).

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.

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Last updated on 30 September 2024

Contains refrigerant gas which must be removed by an authorized contractor.

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.

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Last updated on 27 September 2024

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.

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Last updated on 27 September 2024

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.

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Last updated on 27 September 2024

Ammonia is hazardous to the environment as it can affect soil composition (which affects 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?

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.

Related Links


Last updated on 30 September 2024

Contact your local Police Station.


Last updated on 15 October 2021

Horses, cows and other large animals are only accepted by pre-arrangement at West Nowra Recycling and Waste Depot for disposal.

Contact Council to arrange a disposal.


Last updated on 22 October 2021

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 27 September 2024

Baking paper contains a heat-resistant, non-stick coating that is not recyclable or compostable.

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.

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Last updated on 26 August 2024

Balloons are made from either rubber or plastic (even the “foil” ones). Balloons are a single-use product. Escaped balloons can end up in our oceans and are extremely hazardous to marine life. Please find reusable alternatives.

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.

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

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 can be recycled indefinitely.

Metal goes to the metal recyclers located both in Australia and overseas.

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities.

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

Some auto retailers will accept car batteries for recycling including

  • Super Cheap Auto
  • Battery World

Also ask your local service station or car workshop if they will accept car batteries.

Alternatively, recycle 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 it's received?

Nearly all materials in batteries can be recycled. The batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted and treated. Non-recyclables are safely disposed of.

Recycling batteries reduces dependency on resources and keeps toxic materials out of our environment.

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Last updated on 18 November 2024

Keep batteries and electronic waste out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities.

Where would I find embedded batteries? 

  • Vapes
  • Bluetooth speakers and headphones
  • Electric toothbrushes
  • E-scooters, e-bikes and hover boards
  • Flashing/light up toys; particularly wands or other hard plastic products
  • Personal care devices (eg. shavers)
  • Powerpacks and portable charging devices
  • Remote controlled and ride-on toys
  • Vacuum cleaners (cordless hand-held and robotic)
  • Wearable devices such as smart watches, trackers and medical aids

How/where to dispose of these embedded battery products

The products listed above are accepted as part of the NSW EPA Embedded Battery Trial.

This trial will run until September 2026 and is in partnership with Council, to accept products with embedded batteries at the Community Recycling Centre at West Nowra Recycling and Waste Depot.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free.

What do I do with other types of batteries?

Find out how to recycle for free your

  • Car batteries
  • Household batteries (loose handheld AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V and button cell batteries, as well as detachable appliance, power tool or device batteries)

What happens to it after we receive it?

Nearly all materials in batteries can be recycled. The batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted and treated. Non-recyclables are safely disposed of.

Recycling batteries reduces dependency on resources and keeps toxic materials out of our environment.

Related Links


Last updated on 02 December 2024

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities.

What are household batteries?

Loose handheld (AA, AAA, C, D, 9V, 6V and button cell batteries, as well as detachable appliance, power tool or device batteries).

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

Many major retailers offer battery recycling drop off bins including

  • Woolworths
  • Coles
  • Aldi
  • Bunnings
  • Mitre 10
  • JB Hi-Fi
  • Battery World
  • some IGA stores

Find more participating retailers here.

Alternatively, recycle 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 it's received?

Nearly all materials in batteries can be recycled. The batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted and treated. Non-recyclables are safely disposed of.

Recycling batteries reduces dependency on resources and keeps toxic materials out of our environment.

 

Related Links


Last updated on 18 November 2024

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

Bag your loose bean bag balls before disposal.

Loose bean bag balls can escape easily, becoming litter as well as be a choking hazard to children and pets.

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.

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

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.

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

Keep biodegradable packaging out of your yellow lid recycling bin.

Packaging marked biodegradable or compostable contains a lining which is often made of plastic.

In most cases biodegradable packaging is only suitable for composting via a commercial facility and is not suitable for a home compost bin.

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?

The contents of the red lid bin go directly to landfill.

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Last updated on 02 October 2024

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.

 

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

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.

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Last updated on 28 August 2024

Consider re-using for protecting fragile items during storage, moving or gifting.

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.

Related Links


Last updated on 20 September 2024

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.

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Last updated on 13 September 2024

Before you throw it out

Empty contents. Rinse food cans 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 indefinitely.

Both materials go to specialised recyclers, located across NSW and Victoria.

Related Links


Last updated on 20 September 2024

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.

Related Links


Last updated on 27 September 2024

Tube cans are considered a "composite material" as they are made of varying amounts of cardboard, metal and/or plastic which cannot be separated at the recycling facility. These tubes CANNOT be recycled via your yellow lid bin.

range of cardboard tube packaging.jpg

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.

Related Links


Last updated on 20 September 2024

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

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Most of the recycling options available in this list are free.

Please remember to put all your recyclables into your yellow lid bin, loosely. Never package them into a plastic bag and then place into your yellow lid bin.

Most of what you will find in your household is on this list but if there is still something you are looking for call the Waste Services Team on 1300 293 111 or email us on WasteAdmin@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au