The summer that comes in winter, the famous opera, and, of course, the kangaroo – I bet this is the set of pictures that your brain provided when you read “Australia” in the header. Yep, today let’s speak about Australia: so distant, alluring and so unknown. Yep, unknown! What do we know about the local eco-community? How is sorting arranged there and is there any at all? 🤔Once upon a time, Europeans thought that in Australia people walk upside down. Today, of course, we are far from prejudice, and it seems that we know if not everything, then definitely much more. But we still have a lot to learn: let’s go deeper into sorting and recycling processes!

The country’s recycling rate is 53%. And if you feel skeptical about this number and exclaim “Why not 100%?!” – then I’m going to surprise you! Australia’s recycling rate is ranked in the 5th place in the world (2022 data), so 53% in our reality is very very good. I’m not saying it’s excellent or ideal – but it’s really not bad.
Worth highlighting: recycling rates (as well as recycling rules) vary from one city/state to another, and there is even some kind of informal competition among municipalities for the most “green city” in Australia.

Dedicated drop-off locations play the role of recycling yards in Australia. You can bring in such drop-off spots items that are related to “hard [to recycle] waste”: E-waste, batteries, light globes, paints, chemicals, waste oil printer ink cartridges, etc.
I also strongly recommend you to check the website Recyclingnearyou.com.au – it provides very structured information regarding rare waste types: what are recyclables in a particular state or not.

Usually, there are 2 or 4 maximum recycling kerbside bins in big cities in Australia. All popular types of recyclables are accepted such as (but not limited to) aluminum cans, foil, glass, paper, cardboard, aerosols, a some types of plastic: PET-1, HDPE-2, PP-5.

As for soft plastic (such as bread and salad bags, crisp packets, etc.), there was a huge scandal in 2022-2023. It was revealed that the dedicated program from retail chains to collect and recycle soft plastic called “REDcycle” was a scam.

In most states in Australia, it’s very simple to remember where to place your recyclables: it’s a yellow bin. Yep! So simple: one bin for all. In some states separate blue bins can be installed for paper and cardboard. Bear in mind that you should use these yellow bins only for popular commonly used types of waste: plastic bottles, paper, metal cans, etc. While others, more rare fractions, such as batteries, glass, soft plastic, building materials, food, or textiles have other recycling rules and flows (read below).

If you want to earn some money from your recyclables use the “Container Deposit Scheme”: it’s a cash-for-cans program. According to the Cleanup.org.au website, the cashback schema is working in all states, except Tasmania and Victoria in 2023.

All major retailers have recycling bins for batteries installed in shops.

Any item with a plug or a cord (TVs, computers, print) is accepted for recycling. Usually, the collection of e-waste is an integral part of the so-called “hard waste” collection process: twice a year: usually its’ autumn and spring households can leave such items in dedicated public places (usually, nature strips).

Another easier option to send your E-waste for recycling is to use this map created by MobileMuster project. It is a free, not-for-profit recycling program that is voluntarily funded by the Australian telecommunications industry. They even have a free post-back option!

Clothes that are in good condition are encouraged to be donated at charity shops, and donation bins.

Other textiles, as well as some kinds of household items (mattresses, furniture), are related to so-called “hard waste”. The process of collecting such things from households happens twice a year: usually, it’s autumn and spring. Sometimes items collected are reused if in good condition, but in most cases go to landfill.

Green bins are used for organic collection in Australian cities. Organic includes leaves, grass, and food scraps.

A red bin is used for non-recyclable things that go to landfill.
Surprisingly, “paper” and plastic coffee single-used cups are accepted for recycling: you can find kinds of “tubes” near cafes and place your cups here. But of course, better to take a ceramic cup or bring your own cup for coffee on the go.
Some other rare waste types are accepted in drop-off locations (find more details above under the “Recycling Centre” button).