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#1 What happens to the recyclable material after it is collected?
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At present all collected material is sent to Solo Resource Recovery at Gateshead NSW.
The mixed product is then bulk hauled to Sydney for sorting, firstly by hand to remove as much incorrect (non-accepted) product and then by a series of machines sorting and separating products into 5 groups:
- Paper and cardboard;
- Plastics;
- Steel;
- Aluminum;
- Glass.
Once separated, the product is shipped to a number of Australian sites for recycling with some metals exported for reuse into a range of new metal products.
Our Company is committed to recycling as much product as possible here in Australia and we shall seek out new opportunities and assist in the development of emerging businesses that may need our products.
Exporting product always remains the last resort.
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#2 Does some of the recyclable material go to landfill?
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NO. None of the acceptable recyclable material ends up in landfill. This is because we are able to sell all of the material for reprocessing and manufacturing into new products.
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#3 Should I remove the labels from drink containers and steel cans?
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Removing labels from cans and bottles is no longer necessary.
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#4 Should I wash out containers before putting them in the recycling bin?
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Make sure bottles and containers are empty however it is not necessary to wash or rinse them before placing them in your recycling bin.
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#5 Should I place my recyclables inside plastic bags?
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NO. When they are put in plastic bags they cannot be sorted at the Materials Recovery Facility. Plastic bags, wrap and sheeting are not acceptable in your recycling bin.
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#6 Can I recycle car parts, windows and garden waste in my recycling bin?
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NO. Just because an item is made from recyclable material it is not necessarily acceptable in your yellow lid recycling bin. Car parts and large items made from steel and aluminium can be disposed of through your local scrap metal merchant or contact your local council. Check the A-Z guide.
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#7 Can I recycle window glass, mirrors, ceramics, Pyrex and glass tumblers or wine glasses in my recycling bin?
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NO. Only glass jars (such as jam jars) and bottles (such as beer bottles or wine bottles) are accepted in your yellow lid bin. All other glass and ceramic products must go in your garbage bin.
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#8 If I am unsure whether a product can be recycled, should I put it in the recycling bin anyway?
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NO. Check the A-Z guide on this site or call the Recycling Hotline on 1800 838 884, however, if in doubt, throw it out!
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#9 What happens if I put unacceptable items in my recycling bin?
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Video cameras and GPS systems in the trucks enable drivers to identify bins containing non- acceptable product which is electronically recorded on our database in real time. Kerbside bin audits are also conducted to monitor correct use of the service. Bins containing non- acceptable items may be tagged and not collected until the offending items have been removed and then only on the following service day.
Frequently Asked Questions
