Recycling rules are consistent across Perth

Only recycle the 5 - cardboard, paper, cans, jars and bottles

Recycling rules are consistent across all local governments in Perth.

For all councils in the Perth Metropolitan Area there is a consistent list of what can and can’t be recycled in your yellow-lidded bin. This is to minimise contamination and make recycling easier for everyone.

What can you recycle through your kerbside recycling bin?

The following items should be placed in your recycling bin rinsed, loose and with lids removed:

  • Aluminum and steel cans
  • Paper (not shredded paper) 
  • Cardboard
  • Clean plastic bottles, tubs and containers
  • Glass bottles and jars

Place all items loose in your recycling bin.

What CAN’T you recycle through your kerbside bin?

Recycling facilities in WA can NOT accept the following items in the yellow-lidded recycling bin:

Soft ‘scrunchable’ plastics

Please put all soft plastics into your red-lidded general waste bin. Plastic bags, cling wrap, bubble wrap, lolly wrappers, chip packets, cereal bags and other soft, scrunchable plastics get mixed up with bales of paper and cardboard at the recycling facilities, making them hard to sell. The REDcycle soft plastic recycling scheme is no longer in operation. You can help by purchasing less soft plastic, choosing items with minimal packaging, using reusable bags and contacting producers to request that they minimise unnecessary packaging.

Plastic lids

Small plastic lids can’t be recycled through your yellow-lidded bin as they fall through the machinery at the recycling facility. You can take them to the West Metro Recycling Centre or CLAW Environmental in Welshpool. Containers For Change refund points will accept and recycle plastic lids belonging to eligible containers.

Coffee cups and take-away food packaging

Take-away coffee cups, lids and food packaging are unable to be recycled in WA – place them in your general waste bin. Try to avoid single-use and bring your own, or enjoy dining in.

Batteries

Batteries are a dangerous fire hazard and should never go in any of your kerbside bins. This includes button batteries and removable batteries from items like power tools and cameras. Take them to the West Metro Recycling Centre or your local B-Cycle drop-off point to be recycled safely.

Aerosol cans

Aerosol cans are hazardous as they generally contain residual flammable liquids, which can cause fires and explosions at the recycling facility. Please take aerosols to the West Metro Recycling Centre. They will be sent off for recycling through the Household Hazardous Waste program.

Clothing and textiles

Damaged, unusable clothing and textiles should go in your red-lidded general waste bin. Find out what to do with useable items here.

Meat trays

Due to contamination of meat trays and the mixture of materials used to make them, they should be placed in your general waste bin. Consider buying your meat from a butcher where purchases are wrapped in paper or try taking your own reusable container.

Polystyrene

Polystyrene is light and bulky, making it uneconomical to recycle through the kerbside recycling bin. Bulk polystyrene is only recyclable via specialist recycling and can be dropped off at the West Metro Recycling Centre for free.

Want more information?

Posted in NewsTagged