Best Recycling Hacks
In Australia, we have a designated bin to put all our recyclables in. However, some Australians are still unsure exactly what they can recycle and what they can’t.
There is a sticker on top of your bin that clearly labels on one side what you can put in your bin and what you shouldn’t. In this article, affordable rubbish removal experts are going to go through the top 10 things that you can recycle in your home.
1. Newspapers
One of the easiest things in your home is to recycle. By recycling your newspaper, you can save around 60% of the energy that is needed to make newspapers from scratch. Plus, if you tear them up, you can fit a lot inside your recycling bin. You can visit the environment.org website for more recycling information.
2. Mixed Paper
What do we mean by mixed paper? Well, mixed paper is classified as your junk mail, old documents that you no longer need along with everything else. Getting junk mail regularly can make it build up so recycling is important. By recycling them, you are doing your part for the environment.
3. Ads and Glossy magazines
This may sound like mixed paper, but in fact, these items have a rather thicker outside. Things like advertisements, coupons, and flyers can all have glossy covers, and they need to be recycled not thrown into the bin.
4. Cardboard
Alongside newspapers, perhaps the biggest and most important thing you need to recycle. By recycling your cardboard and putting it into your blue bin, you can save over 24% of the energy needed to make new cardboard. Along with that, it can save up to nine cubic meters of landfill which can only be good for the environment.
5. Paperboard
All of these might sound the same, but they are very different. What paperboard is, is a very thin type of cardboard that is used for product boxes, shoe boxes, and other containers. With paperboard, it is best to flatten them or tear them up into little pieces to save yourself some room in your recycling bin.
6. Plastic Drink Bottles
These include all your plastic water bottles, soda water bottles, and bottles that your juice comes in. Over 2 million bottles are thrown away in the US each year.
In most states in Australia, you can take your plastic bottles to a recycling depot and recoup between 5c and 10c per bottle you bring in. Remove the bottle caps before taking them.
7. Plastic Product Bottles
These are things that are a little bit thicker than your plastic bottles. Things like your old detergent bottles, shampoo bottles, and other similar things. A thing to remember, however, is to make sure you rinse the bottles thoroughly before you put them in the recycling bin. On top of that, the plastic tops need to be removed beforehand.
8. Aluminum Cans
They are perfect to recycle because they do not deteriorate. By doing this, it reduces the energy needed to make new cans by up to 95%. Along with the plastic bottles, they can be taken to a recycling depot and you can recoup 5c per can. However, in some states, they have to be put into the recycling bin and not taken to a depot.
9. Steel Cans
Essentially “tin” cans. Things like canned items like coffee, vegetables, fruits, and soups all can be recycled. Before you put them in the bin, wash them out with water.
10. Glass Containers
Every single glass container that is used as packaging for drinks and food is 100% recyclable. When glass products are made, around 95% can be made up of recycled material. This makes glass a very good thing to recycle as it is very friendly to our overall environment. For more information, you can visit Cleanup.org.
FAQ’s
What should I NEVER put in my recycling bin?
Things like:
- Hoses
- Sewing needles
- Aerosol cans (deodorant) that are not fully empty.
- Spoiled food.
What recyclable items can’t I put in my rubbish bin?
Things that you can’t put in your normal green bin include:
- Plastic bags
- Electronics like phones, laptops, speakers, etc
- Textiles
Can I recycle Styrofoam and egg cartons?
Most recycling depots do not accept Styrofoam and egg cartons but to be sure always check with your local council/government too.
Conclusion
The more items that we can all recycle or send to a recycling depot, the better our country of Australia is going to be. By you recycling these 10 items you can help keep our great country healthy. If you are even in doubt regarding what you can or can’t recycle, you can check with your local council to get a better idea.
