This is probably the most queried area regarding what can, and cannot, be recycled.
BSFG’s Wastewise sub-committee is working with Benalla Rural City Council to clarify what should and should not go into the yellow bin.
In future columns we will feature items and hopefully improve our uptake with recycling.
One of the first things you can do is check out the information on the sticker on your yellow bin, if it’s still there.
If not, this is what it states:
Can go in the yellow bin:
- Glass bottles and jars;
- Cardboard including pizza boxes;
- Aluminium foil, drink cans and aerosol cans;
- Plastic bottles and containers;
- Street food containers; and
- Paper, including newspaper, magazines, pamphlets, note pads and envelopes.
Cannot go in the yellow bin:
- Plastic bags, wrappers, film and bagged recyclables;
- Waxed boxes;
- Polystyrene and foam;
- Electronic waste and batteries;
- Window and drinking glass;
- Crockery or tableware;
- Food and green waste;
- Take away cups; and
- Gas cylinders.
Aluminium foil is often the item which can cause confusion.
It’s difficult for recyclers to process but should not be placed in the general landfill (red bin) waste unless contaminated.
In Canberra, for example, the recycling trucks sport a huge sign “No Foil for the Soil”.
Aluminium takes 200 to 500 years to break down in soil. Recycled aluminium uses 95 per cent less energy than making it from raw materials.
One tonne of recycled aluminium saves more than 6000 litres of oil and up to 10 cubic metres of landfill space.
An easy way to enable more effective recycling of clean foil is to roll flat pieces together into a ball shape.
The ball of foil doesn’t need to be enormous; a golf ball size is fine.
It’s amazing how few chocolate wrappers or other foil covers are needed to make one golf ball sized foil ball.
Keep an eye out for the next BSFG column, which will look at how, and where to recycle printer cartridges.
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