In South Australia, your yellow lid bin is primarily for mixed recyclables, which includes a range of hard plastics, paper, cardboard, and metal containers. Proper sorting helps ensure these materials can be processed and given a new life, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources.
The yellow bin is designed for clean, empty items that can be recycled. Understanding what belongs and what doesn't is crucial for effective recycling.
Accepted Items for Your Yellow Recycling Bin
The following items are generally accepted in your yellow bin across South Australia, provided they are clean and empty:
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Hard Plastics:
- Containers and bottles: Juice and cordial bottles, milk cartons, shampoo, conditioner, and detergent bottles.
- Tubs: Butter and margarine tubs, ice cream and yoghurt tubs.
- Other hard plastic items: Empty deodorant bottles (ensure they are not glass), flower pots and trays.
- Tip: Look for the recycling symbol (triangular arrow chasing a number, typically 1-7) on plastic items, but always refer to your local council's specific guidelines, as not all plastics are accepted.
-
Paper and Cardboard:
- Newspapers, magazines, and advertising mail.
- Cardboard boxes (flattened to save space), including cereal boxes and pizza boxes (ensure they are clean and free from food residue).
- Egg cartons.
- Office paper and envelopes (windows can be left on).
- Note: Shredded paper is often accepted if contained in a paper bag or box, but check with your local council.
-
Metals:
- Aluminium cans (e.g., soft drink cans, beer cans).
- Steel cans (e.g., food cans, pet food cans).
- Aluminium foil (scrunched into a ball the size of a golf ball or larger).
- Important: Remove any food residue and rinse cans thoroughly.
Summary of Common Acceptable Items:
For a quick reference, here's a table of frequently recycled items in South Australia's yellow bins:
| Category | Examples of Accepted Items |
|---|---|
| Hard Plastics | Milk cartons, juice/cordial bottles, shampoo bottles, detergent bottles, butter/margarine tubs, yoghurt/ice cream tubs, flower pots, empty deodorant bottles (non-glass) |
| Paper & Cardboard | Newspapers, magazines, junk mail, flattened cardboard boxes, cereal boxes, egg cartons, office paper |
| Metals | Aluminium cans, steel food cans, pet food cans, clean aluminium foil (scrunched) |
For detailed local guidelines, always consult your specific council's waste and recycling website, such as Adelaide City Council Recycling or Green Industries SA.
What NOT to Put in Your Yellow Bin
To prevent contamination and ensure the effectiveness of the recycling process, it's equally important to know what not to place in your yellow bin:
- Glass: Glass bottles and jars typically go into a separate blue or green bin in South Australia, not the yellow bin.
- Soft Plastics: Plastic bags, cling wrap, bread bags, and other scrunchable plastics do not belong in the yellow bin. These can be recycled at designated supermarket REDcycle drop-off points (e.g., REDcycle Program).
- Food Waste: Any food scraps, leftover food, or heavily soiled items should be placed in your green lid food and garden organic bin (FOGO) or general waste bin.
- Textiles and Clothing: Clothes, shoes, and fabric items should be donated if in good condition or disposed of in the general waste.
- Hazardous Waste: Batteries, chemicals, paint, and electronic waste (e-waste) require special disposal. Check with your council for designated drop-off points.
- Nappies: These belong in the general waste bin.
- Syringes or Medical Waste: Must be disposed of safely according to medical waste guidelines.
- Ceramics, Porcelain, and Drinking Glasses: These materials are not recyclable in the yellow bin.
By carefully sorting your waste, you play a vital role in supporting South Australia's recycling efforts and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
