Knowing what you can and can’t recycle is important if you live in a strata environment in NSW. Sustainability is a huge issue for everyone, and that includes strata communities. Many strata buildings across NSW have already implemented recycling schemes to reduce the amount of recyclable materials being discarded in general waste or communal gardens to promote biodiversity. But for those who haven’t hit the ground running with sustainability, here are some tips on what can and can’t be recycled.
How does recycling work?
Bins with yellow lids are used for recyclable items in NSW. Strata buildings usually have the same types of waste disposal bins as regular households, but they may also have larger skip bins. These larger bins should be designed for general waste or recyclables.
On rubbish collection day, the recyclables are collected separately and taken to a waste management centre or recycling plant. Your general waste also goes to a waste management facility, but recycling is handled differently. Essentially, recyclable items are cleaned, treated and recycled accordingly.
Recycling is important because plastics and other recyclables aren’t typically biodegradable. If they end up in a landfill, they’ll stay there for years and years because the materials don’t break down. Plus, recycling means that the world needs to manufacture fewer new plastic items.
What you can recycle in yellow bins
You can put an extensive list of things in your yellow-lid bins or recyclable depository. It’s important to ensure that ONLY these items go in with your recyclables. Non-recyclable items need to be manually removed at the recycling plant, increasing recycling costs. So, start putting these items in your recycling today.
- Aluminium cans and steel tins
- Empty aerosol cans
- Glass bottles and jars
- Plastic bottles and containers
- Newspapers, magazines and catalogues
- Letters and envelopes
- Cardboard boxes
If you’re uncertain whether something should go in your yellow-lid bin, always check first because it makes the recycling process so much cheaper and easier.
Items you can’t recycle in your yellow-lid bins
Many people are aware of the common recyclable items listed above, but there are just as many items that people mistakenly believe are recyclable. Some of these include:
- Plastic bags
- Polystyrene containers
- Light globes
- Window glass
- Bioplastics and compostable packaging
- Tissues and napkins
- Mixed materials, such as waxed milk cartons or coffee cups
- Drinking glasses
- Nappies
- Batteries and other electronic items
Some of the items on this list may surprise a few people. So, always check your packaging before deciding where to dispose of it. Most product packaging today includes recycling information to let you know whether you can recycle or if the item needs to go into your general waste.
Need help implementing a recycling plan?
Strata communities can do a great deal to promote recycling. From providing more bins, more specific recycling bins, and signage to inform people what they can and can’t recycle, there’s plenty you can do. However, if your strata committee is under the pump and needs assistance, More Than Strata is the team to call. We’ll help with everything from day-to-day operations and maintenance to financial management and sustainability upgrades. Contact us today and find out how we can help.
