5 things for the yellow-topped recycling bin that might surprise you

Posted on: February 3, 2025

In Western Australia, recycling is simple. It’s about putting five types of items in the yellow-topped recycling bin — paper, cardboard, cans, plastic bottles and containers, and glass bottles and jars!

However, there is a layer of GREAT to know under the simple mantra of ‘Just the Five’. Let’s go a little deeper to discover some items you might not have known are part of the five.

Glossy magazines and cardboard boxes

Think cereal boxes, the carton from that slab of softies, junk mail flyers and other paper and cardboard that has a shine to it. These are all a-ok to go into the recycling bin.

The sorting facilities work better when the paper and cardboard is flat. You’ll also find you have more space in your recycling bin too!

GREAT Sorts that are tired of their mailbox being filled with junk mail let the delivery person know by putting a “no junk mail” sticker on their letterbox and subscribe to digital catalogues instead.

Steel and aluminium cans

Cans make up a big part of the recycling stream. Infinitely recyclable, your old aluminium can could come back as a new can, or even part of an aeroplane! Steel cans are also welcome in the recycling bin — think of the potential of all those empty baked bean tins!

To keep your recycling bin smelling fresh and to help with the sorting process down the track, scrape out more solid pieces of food and give a quick swish with water (dishwater in the sink works well).

Produce punnets for fresh fruit and vegetables

Take a trip to your local grocery store and you’ll likely see rows of fresh berries, cherry tomatoes and other delicious produce. You’ll often find them packaged in a plastic clam shell or a clear plastic tub. These kinds of items are able to be recycled in your kerbside bin, once you have removed any soft plastic films. Other similar types of plastic containers that sometimes get missed include the trays from your favourite pack of chocolate biscuits, clear lids from bakery made cakes and treats, pre-sliced cheese boxes and the plastic trays from your frozen meat pies.

GREAT Sorts avoid excess packaging where possible by purchasing unpackaged fresh fruit and vegetables, and either bringing their own reusable produce bags or taking items loose through the checkout.

10c eligible containers

We love Containers for Change! Not only do you get some cash back for your empties, but you can also choose to donate those funds to your favourite charity or community group.

If you’re not dropping off your 10c eligible containers, the great news is that bottles and cans that are put in your yellow-lidded recycling bin at home are still recycled.

Bottles from around the house

Beverage bottles are well known for being recyclable, but there are plenty of other bottles hiding around the house that sometimes don’t make their way into the recycling bin.

Consider condiment bottles — empty any leftover sauces or marinades into your FOGO caddy or general waste bin before rinsing and recycling. Empty shampoo, body wash and other hygiene bottles are also good to recycle — just remove the lids and pumps before disposal. Check your laundry and kitchen sink for empty detergent bottles.

GREAT Sorts keep bottles that have held chemicals and other hazardous liquids for their next trip to the tip. Safely disposing of bottles pesticides, acids, caustic cleaners and other nasties is easy. Ensure the lids are securely on and drop them off to your nearest Household Hazardous Waste site, for free.