A-Z Guide

* Empty Aerosol cans from fly sprays, deodorants, hair sprays and cooking oils can go in your recycling bin (yellow lid) * Some Aerosol cans are considered hazardous waste and cannot go into household bins, such as butane gas cans, aerosols containing propane, and spray paints, please take to the CRC at Queanbeyan or Bungendore.

Clean aluminium cans can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. Recycling aluminium cans saves 95% of the energy it would take to make a new can from scratch. Don’t waste this valuable resource. The Return and Earn [https://returnandearn.org.au/return-points/] container deposit scheme is a NSW Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It offers a 10c refund to consumers for depositing eligible drink containers at return points across NSW.

Aluminium foil containers can be placed into the yellow recycling bin, even with traces of food on them. Sheets of aluminium foil can be scrunched into a ball and placed into the yellow recycling bin. Please ensure the foil is mostly free of food and the scrunched ball is about the size of a tennis ball.

Strict rules apply to handling and disposing of asbestos, you must contact a licensed asbestos removalist to ensure safe removal and disposal. See the NSW EPA website [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/waste/industrial-waste/asbestos-waste] for more information about dealing with asbestos waste. It is illegal to put asbestos in a household garbage bin or to dump it.

Ash can have traces of embers, causing fires in the household bins or even the collection vehicle. Please ensure ash has completely cooled, bag it and place into your red waste bin.

Baking paper, waxed paper, grease proof paper  is not recyclable please place in the garbage bin 

Woven baskets and plastic laundry baskets in good condition can be donated to your local charity store. Baskets and buckets in poor condition can be placed in the red landfill bin if they will fit.

Batteries contain toxic liquids and metals. They should not go in your bin! There are several ways to safety dispose or your batteries: Household and car batteries can be dropped off for free at the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/find-crcs-or-hcco] Located at Bungendore Transfer Station and Queanbeyan Waste Minimisation Centre.  Other drop off points can be found on the B-cycle [https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/] website  the Australian Official product Stewardship Scheme for Batteries. Visit https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/ [https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off/] to find a battery recycling drop-off point near you. In addition to the CRC you can also drop off household batteries to Coles, Woolworths, Aldi and Office works.   

Embedded batteries are batteries inside an item that cannot be removed. They may be rechargeable but the batteries cannot be easily removed or replaced.  Items with an embedded battery, such as solar garden lights, electric toothbrushes, vacuums, light up sneakers, etc must never be put in household bins. Drop off items with embedded batteries for free in the hazardous waste [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/types-of-waste/hazardous-waste] area at: * Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC]

Car batteries can be dropped off free of charge at the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/find-crcs-or-hcco] or place of purchase.

Working bicycles can be donated to your local charity. If they are no longer in working condition, bicycles can be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council transfer stations. They can also be collected in a Kerbside collection if your property is eligible.

Biscuit Trays can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. The soft platice wrapping needs to go into the garbage bin.

Contact the RSPCA to check if they are accepting donations. Blankets, bedding and towels in useable condition can be donated to a local charity or reuse centre. Unusable bedding can be placed in the red landfill bin. Bagging these bulky items reduces the risk of a jammed bin and partial empty.

Blister packs cannot go into the recycling bin. They can either go into your landfill bin (red lid) or there some organisations that are collecting them for recycling.  Blister packets are accepted through the Pharmacy Pharmacycle [https://www.pharmacycle.com.au/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw84anBhCtARIsAISI-xeeWNaElI92dMzPGDAzA4l-qnMr5oL3TweLARoOb3_KkMtqYWsZBR0aAhsGEALw_wcB] program  Banish Recycling and Disposal Program [https://banish.com.au/pages/recycling-program] and also Lids4Kids [https://www.lids4kids.org.au/]  Drop off locations:  * Blooms Pharmacy Queanbeyan * Blooms Pharmacy Karabar * Chemist Warehouse Queanbeyan East  Keep an eye out for more Pharmacies taking up the Pharmacycle collection program.   

Meat bones, raw and cooked, can go into FOGO. Hint: Freeze meat bones and scraps until bin collection day to reduce odours.

Undamaged books can be donated to your local charity store. Damaged books including glossy, hardcover books can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. Please note the household bins have a weight limit of 80kg, be cautious of weight limits when putting large quantities of paper into the bins.

Bread, cakes, pasta and rice can go into FOGO bin.

Bubble wrap can be placed in the red landfill bin as it cannot be recycled through the yellow bin system.  

Building materials can often be reused so it is important to take them to the correct facility. For more information on certain materials or to look for other drop off points visit http://businessrecycling.com.au/ [http://businessrecycling.com.au/]

Non-waxed cardboard can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. This includes milk and juice cartons (Tetra paks). Collapse boxes to maximise space in your yellow recycling bin and prevent jamming on service day.

Do not place in household bins. Cars have a huge number of components, many of which can be recycled. Contact local second-hand car yard or scrap metal business. Metal car parts may be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Waste and Resource Recovery transfer stations.

Small amounts of Carpet can be disposed of in your landfill bins. If in good condition it can be donated. Large amounts can be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council transfer station.  

CDs and DVDs in useable condition can be donated to a local charity or reuse centre. Unusable CDs and DVDs can be placed in the red landfill bin.

Cellophane can be placed in the red landfill bin.

If ceramic items are not broken and are in a saleable condition, consider donating to a local charity. Ceramics cannot be recycled. These must be placed in the red waste bin. Examples of ceramic items include: * Crockery * Plates, cups and saucers * Tableware, servingware

Hazardous chemicals must not be placed in any of the household bins - they are dangerous to residents, waste collectors and landfill staff. There are many chemicals around your house that should be kept out of your bin and our landfill. This can include cleaning products, poisons, acids, pool chemicals and more. Many common household chemicals can be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. We also work with the NSW Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to hold a couple of free Household Chemical Cleanout [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/household-chemical-cleanout] Events each year. Details of what can be included in these cleanouts can be found on the EPA website. When dropping off items at the Community Recycling Centre or a cleanout event, please ensure chemicals are handled and treated with care. Each item must be no larger than 20kg or 20 litres. Please note, asbestos cannot be included in chemical cleanouts.

Live organic Christmas trees can be placed into the green FOGO bin. Cut up the tree into sections to ensure the lid of the bin can close on collection day. Alternatively, it can be taken to the Queanbeyan Waste Minimisation Centre or transfer stations. 

Can be donated if in good condition. If it is damaged and it can fit, it can go into your landfill bin. If it is large for the landfill bin, please take to the Transfer station.  

Cigarette Packet (plastic removed) can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

Cigarettes or cigars must go into the Landfill bin once extinguished completely.  

If clothing/ textiles are still in good condition, please consider donating to a local charity, swapping with friends, giving away on FB buy nothing groups, market place, buy swap sell or even selling online.     

Disposable paper cups go in the recycling bin  Lids go in the rubbish bin as they are made from non-expanded polystyrene or plastic code 6  Bio-cups (are compostable or biodegradable). These must not be placed in your recycling, garden waste or FOGO bin.  Selected 7-Eleven convenience stores take disposable cups for recycling as part of their ‘Cup Rescue [https://www.7eleven.com.au/cuprescue]’ initiative  For more ideas on reducing the use of disposable coffee cups visit Responsible Cafes [https://responsiblecafes.org/] and Green Caffeen [https://greencaffeen.com.au/] 

Coffee grounds can be placed into FOGO.

Coffee pods can be placed in the red landfill bin or return to the supplier that have a recycling program such as Nescafe.  

Dairy products, (yoghurt, cheese, cream etc) can go into FOGO. Packaging must be disposed of separately.

Empty Plastic detergent bottles can be placed in the yellow recycling bin (no lids). Cardboard detergent cartons can also be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

All disposable plastic plates and cups can be put in the red landfill bin. Clean paper plates and bowls can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. All food scraps and liquids should be removed before putting items into your recycling bin.

Single use vapes or e-cigarettes are hazardous waste and must not go in your household landfill, recycling or green waste bins in order to avoid the risk of fire. * Single use vapes have embedded batteries that cannot be removed. These are not currently accepted by the B-cycle program and are classified as hazardous waste. They can be disposed of safely for free at the hazardous waste area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres: Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * Most refillable vapes and vapes with an easily removable battery can be recycled or recovered. Always check the packaging to see specific recycling methods for these devices. Removeable eligible household batteries [https://bcycle.com.au/how-you-can-b-cycle/battery-types-accepted] can be recycled at B-cycle drop-off points [https://bcycle.com.au/drop-off] in the ACT and NSW * All embedded or damaged battery-operated devices must be disposed of safely and should not be placed in your household bins. They can be disposed of safely for free at the hazardous waste area at the ACT Government Resource Management Centres: Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC]  

Clean egg cartons can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

Any small battery operated or electronic items that are no longer usable go in the landfill bin.   Alternately small e-waste items can be donated or given away if in good working order. 

E-waste (electronic waste) is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in our community. Here are some options to consider instead of sending e-waste to landfill:  Computers & Televisions  Please take to Bungendore  or Braidwood Transfer Station or the ACT Resource Recovery Centre in Hume for free drop off Gaming Devices  These can be valuable! Try selling them online, or find a store that deals in second hand games and gear.  DVD players, Stereos, Cameras, iPods and Toys  Recycle your unwanted electronics through your nearest Storage King store.  For a small cost you can buy an e-waste collection box. Fill it with your old devices (you can even leave the batteries inside) and return it to Storage King. They'll recycle it through the ECOACTIV Product Recovery Program. Find out more on the ECOACTIV website [https://www.ecoactiv.com.au/e-waste-electronic-recycling-disposal/].  Mobile Phones  Drop off up to 15 old phones per visit at the Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] You can also use the Mobile Muster [https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/] program Many stores that sell phones will also take old phones for recycling.  Apple Products  Apple Giveback lets you trade in old devices to get an Apple store gift card. If your old Apple doesn't qualify for a trade-in, Apple will still recycle it for free.  Conditions apply. See Apple's website [https://www.apple.com/au/trade-in/] for details. 

Transport for NSW has a program to help dispose of expired flares. Visit the Transport for NSW website [https://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime/safety-rules/safety-equipment/flare-disposal.html] for details.

Many optometrists collect second-hand glasses to send overseas to people in need.

Fencing wire including barbed wire can be recycled in metal recycling.  This can be taken to the Bungendore and Braidwood Transfer Station

Fire extinguishers can be dropped off for free at the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre [https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/book-and-apply/rubbish/community-recycling-centre].

Unused fire crackers/ fire works  cannot be accepted at  waste facilities. Do not put in your household bins as they may explode. Disposal options:  * ACT Firearms Registry [https://police.act.gov.au/community-safety/firearms/act-firearms-registry] at Mitchell. Ph: 02 5126 9076 [tel:0261332122] accepts fire crackers. Opening times Monday to Friday 8 am - 1 pm and 2 pm - 3 pm. Closed the last Friday of each month and on public holidays. Unused fire crackers are dangerous to workers at our waste facilities. Fire crackers need to be disposed of correctly. RELATED ITEMS This may include crackers; Catherine wheels; sparklers; fire crackers; fireworks; expired fire-crackers; expired fire-crackers; hazardous waste.

Fluorescent light globes contain mercury which is dangerous if put into landfill. Fluro globes and tubes can be dropped off for free at the  Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre [https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/book-and-apply/rubbish/community-recycling-centre].

Foam, also known as styrofoam or polystyrene, can be placed in the red landfill bin. This item is not recyclable through the kerbside recycling bin system. Examples of foam items include: * Meat trays * Protective packaging * Foam cups

All food waste, raw and cooked, can go into FOGO bin. Examples include: * Meat, chicken, fish, shellfish including bones * Plate scrapings * Fruit and vegetable scraps * Cake, bread, rice, pasta * Dairy products like cheese, yoghurt and cream * Coffee grounds and tea leaves (NO tea bags) 

For working machines, sell or give away on an online marketplace.  If not working, whitegoods can be dropped off for free at the Bungendore or Braidwood Transfer station or to the ACT Mugga Lane Resource recovery centre. 

Non damaged furniture can be taken to a local charity store.  Damaged furniture is acceptable for the Kerbside collection services if your property is eligible.  Furniture items can also be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Transfer stations 

Garden waste, including lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves can be placed into the FOGO bin.  

Gas bottles are dangerous and cannot be placed into any of the household bins.    Instead, gas bottles can be dropped off for free at the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] 

Gas bottles and cylinders must not go in your household bins. They are pressurised, hazardous and can explode if compacted. This includes disposable helium party balloon cylinders, even if they show a recycling symbol.   * This includes: * Disposable helium party balloon cylinders * Nitrous oxide baking gas cylinders * Empty old or damaged BBQ gas bottles up to 9 kg (that cannot be exchanged) * SodaStream and other CO₂ cylinders (exchange through retailers where possible) * camping gas cartridges and butane cans * Small CO₂ bulbs used for bicycle pumps or cream chargers (too small for safe processing and can damage sorting equipment if not empty). * Use a gas bottle exchange service to swap your empty bottle (up to 9 kg) for a full one at most service stations and hardware stores. * Return gas bottles over 9 kg (including 45 kg household cylinders) back to your gas supplier. * Return industrial welding gas cylinders (such as argon, acetylene or mixed shielding gases) back to your gas supplier. * Arrange testing or decommissioning of scuba diving tanks through a dive shop. If they are permanently out of service, make sure they are depressurised and dispose of them through a specialist or scrap metal service. * Automotive LPG tanks and forklift LPG cylinders are not accepted at the Resource Management Centres. Contact a licensed gas supplier for safe degassing and disposal. Additional Information  * Gas bottles and cylinders contain recoverable metal and components that can be safely recycled when disposed of through approved drop‑off points. * Gas bottles and cylinders are pressurised and can explode if crushed or punctured, creating fire and injury risks at waste facilities. * Even when empty, they may contain residual gas that is hazardous if mishandled. * Automotive LPG tanks remain pressurised and require licensed specialists to degas them. They cannot be accepted at Resource Management Centres or transfer station metal recycling areas.    

Clear, brown and green glass bottles and jars can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. The Return and Earn [https://returnandearn.org.au/return-points/] container deposit scheme is a NSW Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It offers a 10c refund to consumers for depositing eligible drink containers at return points across NSW.

Glass mirrors, windows, light globes and drinking glasses can be placed in the red landfill bin. These items cannot be recycled as the melting properties differ to those of food-grade glass.

Hazardous household cleaning products must not be placed in any of the household bins - they are dangerous to residents, waste collectors and landfill staff. Click here to check the next Household Chemical CleanOut [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/household-chemical-cleanout] event near you.

Ice cream containers and lids can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

Ice cream tubs made from paper are not recyclable, please place in the garbage bin

Ink Cartridges cannot by placed in any of the household bins.    Used or empty laser and inkjet cartridges can be dropped off at all Officeworks and participating Australia Post, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys, JB Hi-Fi, Office National and Office Products Depot outlets, Queanbeyan Waste Minimisation Centre.   Visit PlanetArk [https://www.recyclingnearyou.com.au/] for a drop off location near you. 

Clear, brown and green glass jars can be placed in the yellow recycling bin with metal lids separated.   You can also try to give away as many people like to use them for preserving.

After any plastic wrapping has been removed, junk mail can be placed into the yellow recycling bin.

Kitty litter, clean and soiled, can be placed in the red waste bin. Hint: Bag or double-bag kitty litter to reduce odours.

Items can be taken to the Bungendore or Braidwood tip shop (if in good working order) or the QPRC Waste and Resource Recovery Transfer Station at Bungendore or Braidwood if broken. You can also take to the ACT Materials Recovery Centre at Hume.  Or if your property is eligible and your items are eligible you can book a hard rubbish kerbside cleanup [https://www.qprc.nsw.gov.au/Waste-Environment/Waste/Kerbside-Clean-Up]  There are also charities that you can donate to or try the buy nothing groups on Face Book or Buy Swap Sell groups. 

Garden waste, including lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves can be placed in the green organics bin. Note:  large stumps and branches are hazardous and must be cut into smaller pieces before being placed into the green organic bin.

Lead can be found in many parts of your home - especially in older homes. Some of the places you might find lead include: * old interior and exterior paint * in dust found in ceiling cavities, carpets or furniture * soil around your home * fumes from tools like heat guns or soldering irons that have come into contact with lead surfaces * water pipes * leadlight windows * PVC products * lead sheeting. Read more about lead and how to protect your health on the NSW EPA website [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/household-building-and-renovation/lead-safety] or by downloading the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Lead Safety brochure [https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0025/57247/Lead-safety-brochure.pdf] You can also buy lead test kits from most hardware stores.  

Lids cannot go into the Recycle bin as they are too small for the machinery and get stuck. Lids can either go into the landfill bin (red lid) OR take to a  Lid4Kids [https://www.lids4kids.org.au/]  drop off point or their shopfront in Fyshwick where they will recycle the lids into other products. Please follow their instructions on the website on how lids need to be presented. There are also a number of Lids4Kids drop off locations please check their website for details. https://www.lids4kids.org.au/ [https://www.lids4kids.org.au/]  

Light bulbs should be handled carefully as they can contain dangerous gases. Read more on the Recycling Near You [https://recyclingnearyou.com.au/light-globes] website.  Fluorescent globes and tubes can be dropped off for free at the Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres]  IKEA stores also accept most kinds of light globes for recycling, even if you didn’t buy them there. 

Magazines, newspapers and junk mail can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. Remove any plastic packaging before placing in the yellow recycling bin

If you need to get rid of a mattress, don't dump it - try these options:  * Book Kerbside cleanup if your property is eligible. Mattresses can be included in this collection, and will be recycled. * Contact Soft Landing [https://www.softlanding.com.au/]. This service by Mission Australia recycles mattresses. Fees apply. * Mattresses can also be taken to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council transfer stations. Fees apply 

Meat and bones - raw and cooked - can go into FOGO. Hint: Freeze meat bones and scraps until bin collection day to reduce odours.

Check the Plastic Identification Code on the meat tray. This is usually located on the bottom of the tray. * Put trays with Plastic Identification Codes [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1325773/ACT-NOWaste-Plastic-Codes-Factsheet-v3.pdf]  of 1, 2, 3 & 5 in recycling bin - containers must be empty and dry  * Put trays with Plastic Identification codes [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/1325773/ACT-NOWaste-Plastic-Codes-Factsheet-v3.pdf]  of 4, 6 & 7 in rubbish bin  * The meat juice pad and soft plastic film go in the rubbish bin 

Polystyrene meat trays and foam meat trays cannot be recycled and should be placed into the red landfill bin. Hint: rinse trays before placing in the bin to reduce odours.

Medical waste must not be placed into any of the household bins. Speak to your doctor or pharmacy about suitable disposal methods.

Empty medicine bottles can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. 

Plastic and cardboard milk cartons can be placed in the yellow recycling bin, including Tetra paks.

Small mirrors can be placed in the red landfill bin. Larger mirrors can be wrapped in an old tarp or blanket and safely broken into smaller pieces. Carefully bag the smaller mirror pieces and place into the red landfill bin. Mirrors cannot be recycled as the melting properties differ to those of food-grade glass.

Over 90% of the materials used in a mobile are recyclable, avoiding future greenhouse gas emissions, saving energy, protecting our environment and conserving scarce natural resources.  Mobile phones, tablets and other e-waste can be dropped off for free at the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] Mobile phone sellers may also take back the old phones for recycling.  Mobile phones can also be dropped off to Mobile muster [https://www.mobilemuster.com.au/] participating drop offs. 

If you have left over nails,  screws, nuts and bolts in good condition, try giving them away to someone that can use them.  Old nails and screws etc place into your garbage bin (red lid) or keep in a metal container and take to a scrap metal drop off . 

Nappies can be placed into the red landfill bin. To minimise odours consider wrapping items in plastic bags. Disposable nappies have a big impact on our environment. They can take over 400 years to start breaking down in landfill. Using cloth nappies is an environmentally friendly alternative, and it doesn't have to be hard. 

Sharps can be taken to a sharps disposal point at Queanbeyan Hospital, Killard Centre, Karabar Community Health Centre, and most public toilets have a disposal unit.   Amcal chemist will also accept syringes.   If you find needles or syringes on public or private land, call Council on 1300735025.  

All types of paper and cardboard can be put in the yellow recycling bin including newspaper, junk mail, glossy magazines and books.  

Cooking oil and Motor oil must not be placed in any of the household bins. Motor and other oils can be dropped off for free at the Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] 

Liquid paint, lacquer or varnish must not be placed in any of the household bins.    The Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] accepts up to 20 litres of household paint per visit.  Paintback [https://www.paintback.com.au/] is a free program that accepts to 100 litres per visit (in containers of 20 litres or less) from residents and trade painters. 

Blank or printed office paper can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

Paper receipts cannot be recycled please place in the garbage bin

Shredded paper can be bagged up and placed in the red landfill bin  Shredded office paper should not be placed in the yellow recycling bin as it will not be processed. Loose shredded paper is messy and potentially hazardous, please do not place loose shredded paper into any of the household bins.

Paper towel can be placed into the red landfill bin. Paper towel should not be placed in the yellow recycling bin as it will not be processed and is regarded as a contamination.

Paper towel is to be disposed in the red landfill bin. Paper towel should not be placed in the yellow recycling bin or the FOGO bin (green bin)  as it will not be processed and is regarded as a contaminate. 

Pens, pencils, texters, crayons, markers etc can be placed in the red landfill bin. Many schools, workplaces and community groups recycle pens & pencils through the Terracycle Writing Instruments Recycling Program [https://www.terracycle.com/en-AU/brigades/writing-instruments-recycling-au#:~:text=Recycle%20your%20used%20pens%2C%20markers,helps%20to%20protect%20the%20environment.]. Office Works also accept some of these items

All pet bedding, straw, cage lining and litter can be placed in the red landfill bin. Sawdust, straw and wood shavings contaminated with animal waste cannot go into FOGO.

Dog or cat  food, raw and cooked, can go into FOGO. Bird/ Chicken feed cannot go into the FOGO. 

Pet waste and animal droppings can be placed in the red landfill bin. 

Old phone books can be recycled in your yellow recycling bin.

Empty pizza boxes, containing no food scraps, can be recycled in the yellow recycling bin. Food-soiled pizza boxes can go into FOGO.

Plastic plant pots and seedling containers are not recyclable and can be placed in the red landfill bin. Some sellers will take back plastic pots for reuse.

Garden waste, including lawn clippings, prunings, small sticks, twigs, flowers and leaves can be placed in the green organic (FOGO) bin. Large stumps and branches are hazardous and must be cut into smaller pieces before being placed into the green organic (FOGO) bin.

Soft Plastic recycling drop offs Some stores are now accepting soft plastics. Please check locally for a store near you.  Soft plastics and plastic bags can now be recycled at:   * Woolworths Queanbeyan  * Woolworths  Jerrabomberra.  * Customers can drop off any clean, dry soft plastics marked with the ‘Check locally’, ‘Return to store’; or ‘Store drop off’ Australasian Recycling Label. For safety, please only drop off what can fit in the bin. * Please only place clean, soft plastics into the collection bin. Other materials (e.g. paper shopping bags, hard plastics e.g containers and water bottles, coffee cups) may contaminate the collection and make it difficult and more expensive to process the material. * Contamination with other materials may also result in some other material surrounding these items being sent to landfill. Plastic bags are accepted in the garbage bin.  Soft plastics must NOT be placed in the yellow recycling or green FOGO bins at any time      

Plastic bottles can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. Please remove Lids and either place in the landfill bin (red lid ) or take to Lids4Kids [https://www.lids4kids.org.au/] or a Lids4Kids collection point.  The Return and Earn [https://returnandearn.org.au/return-points/] container deposit scheme is a NSW Government initiative funded by contributions from the beverage industry. It offers a 10c refund to consumers for depositing eligible drink containers at return points across NSW.

All empty household rigid plastic including containers and bottles can be placed in the yellow recycling bin, please ensure all food scraps and liquids have been removed.

Plastic film/ cling wrap can be placed in the red landfill bin.  

Polystyrene can be placed in the red landfill bin, or take it to the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council transfer station. Fees apply for taking polystyrene to landfill.   Polystyrene cannot be recycled. Do not put polystyrene in your yellow recycling bin.  Find facilities that accept expanded polystyrene through the Recycling Near You website [http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/]. 

Sanitary items - place in the landfill bin .   They should never be flushed down the toilet as they cause blockages. Feminine hygiene products, incontinence pads and other sanitary items can be placed into the red landfill bin.  

Scrap metal can be dropped off for free at Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres]  Scrap metal can include many whitegoods made mostly of metal, like microwaves, washing machines, dryers and dishwashers.    Smaller scrap metal items like bicycles, barbeques, lawn mowers (fuel cap off) and disassembled trampolines can be collected using the Kerbside Cleanup book in service if your property is eligible.  

Seafood, including fish and shellfish, raw and cooked, can go into FOGO. Hint: Freeze seafood waste until bin collection day to reduce odours.

Serviettes, napkins and other paper towel, must be disposed in the red waste to landfill bin. Do not place used or unused serviettes, napkins or paper towel in the yellow recycling bin or FOGO green bin as they will not be processed and is regarded as a contaminant.  

Smoke detectors can be dropped off for free at Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Community Recycling Centre. [https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/recycling-and-reuse/household-recycling-overview/community-recycling-centres] 

Soft Plastic Recycling drop offs Some stores are now accepting clean soft plastics. Please check locally for a drop off near you.  * Customers can drop off any clean, dry soft plastics marked with the ‘Check locally’, ‘Return to store’; or ‘Store drop off’ Australasian Recycling Label. For safety, please only drop off what can fit in the bin. *   * Please only place clean, soft plastics into the collection bin. Other materials (e.g. paper shopping bags, hard plastics e.g containers and water bottles, coffee cups) may contaminate the collection and make it difficult and more expensive to process the material. * Contamination with other materials may also result in some other material surrounding these items being sent to landfill. Soft plastics can now be recycled at:  * Woolworths Queanbeyan  * Woolworths  Jerrabomberra.  Or they can be placed in the red landfill bin.  Soft plastics must NOT be placed in the yellow recycling or green FOGO bins at any time  

Soil and sand cannot be placed in your kerbside bins.   Soil and sand can be taken to Canberra Recyclers but you will need to contact them first as there are guidelines that need to be followed.  

Solar Panels  * If the item can be reused, you can give away or sell online * Small solar panels and solar lights (battery removed) can be put in your household general waste bin * Up to 5 solar panels can be dropped off for free in the metal [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recyclopaedia/items/m/metal] recycling area at: * Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * Items with an embedded battery, such as solar garden lights, must never be put in household bins. Drop off items with embedded batteries for free in the hazardous waste [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/types-of-waste/hazardous-waste] area at: * Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC]

All empty household rigid plastic including containers and bottles can be placed in the yellow recycling bin, please ensure all food scraps and liquids have been removed. Polystyrene/ foam take away containers cannot be recycled and must be placed into the red waste bin.

Tea bags contain plastic so need to go into the waste to landfill bin (red lid) 

Working TVs can be donated to local charities or sold online. Broken TVs can be taken to the ACT Resource Recovery Centre or to Bungendore Transfer Station for recycling.  

Tissues must be placed in the red landfill bin.  DO NOT put in the yellow recycling or FOGO green bin. Tissue boxes can be placed in the yellow recycling bin.

If toys are still in good condition consider donating to a local charity, swapping with friends or even selling online.  If toys are not in good condition, they can be placed in the red waste bin or can be collected using the Kerbside collection service if your property is eligible.  

Tyres can be taken to the Transfer stations for a fee and they will be recycled through the tyre recycling program.  

The dusty contents of your vacuum cleaner can be placed in the red landfill bin.

All food waste, raw and cooked, can go into FOGO.

Video tapes can be placed in the red landfill bin. 

Garden waste, including removed or trimmed garden weeds, can be placed in the  green FOGO bin. Note: large stumps and branches are hazardous and must be cut into smaller pieces before being placed into the green organic bin.

Whitegoods can contain significant amounts of metals, insulating materials, refrigerants and other substances.  Whitegoods can be dropped off for free at Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Transfer station.   Smaller scrap metal items like bicycles, barbeques, lawn mowers (fuel cap off) and disassembled trampolines can be collected using kerbside collection service if your property is eligible.

Small amounts of window glass can be placed in the red landfill bin. Larger glass sheets can be wrapped in an old tarp or blanket and safely broken into smaller pieces. Carefully bag the smaller glass pieces and place into the red waste bin. Sheet glass cannot be recycled as the melting properties differ to those of food-grade glass.

Cardboard boxes can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. The inner foil bag can be placed in the red landfill bin.

No treated timber or MDF (chipboard) can be accepted in the green FOGO bin. Small amounts of timber can be placed in the red landfill bin, larger amounts can be taken Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council Waste Depot [https://www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au/book-and-apply/rubbish/our-waste-depot].

Wrapping paper that is not shiny foil or plastic can be placed in the yellow recycling bin. Cellophane, shiny foil or plastic wrap can be placed in the red landfill bin.

X-ray films can't be recycled through your yellow recycling bin. * Take to the designated x-ray recycling bin located in the hazardous waste areas at: Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] Mitchell Resource Management Centre [https://www.cityservices.act.gov.au/recycling-and-waste/drop-off/RMC] * For large or commercial qualities contact PMR Refinery in Victoria [https://siltechpmr.com.au/about-us] Ph: (03) 9357 9540. [tel:0393579540]