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A-Z recycling and disposal guide

Most recycling options listed are free of charge. Some fees are incurred for certain items disposed of at our recycling and waste depots, please refer to our page on depot disposal costs for more information.

many items in your home such as furniture, sporting equipment, bathware, kitchenware and more can be taken to a buy-back centre
for items not on this list please visit Planet Ark's Recycling Near You site or contact the Recycling & Waste Services team
all recyclables that go into your yellow-lid bin must be empty
any item that can go into your yellow-lid bin can also be taken to our recycling and waste depots for free

Acids and Alkalis

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.

Aerosol cans (household)

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

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.

Air Conditioners

Contain various hazardous materials including refrigerant which has ozone-depleting substances. It is a legal requirement to have the refrigerant removed by an authorised recycler.

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.

Aluminium Cans

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.

Aluminium Foil

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.

Ammonia Based Cleaners

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?

Ammunition

Contact your local Police Station.

Last updated on 15 October 2021

Animal Carcasses (large)

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

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 28 August 2024

Baking Paper

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.

Balloons

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.

Barbecues (BBQs)

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.

Batteries (car)

Keep batteries out of your kerbside bins. They create a fire hazard in collection vehicles and at receiving facilities. Batteries that end up in landfill can leak toxic materials into waterways and ecosystems.

Before you throw it out

Keep intact.

How/where to dispose of it

Recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at Council's recycling and waste depots.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Batteries are sent to approved, specialised recyclers where different materials are extracted, treated and safely disposed of. Recycling hazardous waste keeps toxic materials out of our environment, meaning less air, water, and soil pollution.

Batteries (household)

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

Recycle via a Community Recycling Centre located at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Visit B-cycle for a list of retailers providing battery recycling drop off bins.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No. Disposal is free at Council's recycling and waste depots and B-cycle participating retailers.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Last updated on 13 September 2024

Bean Bag Foam Balls

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.

Bicycles

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.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Metal is recycled for scrap metal.

Buy-Back centre items are sold for reuse.

Binding & Strapping

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.

Books (paperback, hardcover and magazines)

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.

Boxes (cardboard)

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.

Bubble Wrap

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.

Building Waste

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.

Cans (food and beverage)

Before you throw it out

Empty contents. Rinse can 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 both in Australia and overseas.

Caravans

Dispose of via Council's Recycling and Waste Depots.

Fees apply.

Call Council's Waste Services on 1300 293 111 for more information.

Last updated on 24 August 2023

Cardboard

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.

Carpet

Before you throw it out

Dispose of directly.

How/where to dispose of it

Dispose at Council's recycling and waste depots.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

Yes. Carpet is charged as domestic waste. See our depot disposal costs.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Carpet cannot be recycled. It will go to landfill.

Cars

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

Cat & Kitty Litter

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.

Last updated on 13 September 2024

CDs and DVDs

Before you throw it out

Consider donating to an Op-shop.

How/where to dispose of it

May be accepted at Council's buy-back centres.

Recycle via Officeworks.

Alternatively dispose of into your red lid bin.

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

No.

What happens to it after we receive it?

Buy-Back centre items are sold for reuse.

Contents of the red lid bin go straight to landfill.

Cellophane

Cellophane is a single-use plastic.

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.

Chemicals

Chemicals are hazardous to the environment. They can alter the balance of ecosystems resulting in a harmful effect on plants and marine life. They can also affect human health if not disposed of properly. 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.

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A-Z recycling and disposal guide

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Acids and Alkalis

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aerosol cans (household)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Air Conditioners

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aluminium Cans

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Aluminium Foil

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Ammonia Based Cleaners

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Ammunition

Animal Carcasses (large)

Asbestos

Baking Paper

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Balloons

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Barbecues (BBQs)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Batteries (car)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Batteries (household)

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Bean Bag Foam Balls

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it

Will it cost anything to get rid of?

What happens to it after we receive it?

Related Links

Bicycles

Before you throw it out

How/where to dispose of it