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Unexpected Non-Recyclable Items: Six Everyday Surprises to Avoid
Hello Aussie recyclers! We all know the satisfaction of tossing used items into the recycling bin, confident in our eco-friendly efforts to help the planet. But what if some of those items aren’t actually recyclable? In this blog post, let’s dive into some everyday surprises that don’t belong in your recycling bin, and what you can do instead. Because here at Brisbane South Skip Bins, we’re all about making waste management easy and effective for our friends in Brisbane, Logan, and Ipswich.
1. Pizza Boxes – Not Quite the Greasy Solution!
Who doesn’t love a good pizza night? However, before you decide to recycle that cardboard box, take a closer look. The greasy stains and cheese leftovers seem harmless but actually contaminate the recycling process. Once cardboard gets soiled with food residues, it can’t be recycled efficiently. The best way to handle greasy pizza boxes is to rip off and recycle the clean parts and dispose of the greasy sections in your general waste or compost bin.
2. Shiny and Glittery Gift Wraps
Holiday seasons and birthdays bring joy, and with them often come shiny gift wraps. While they add sparkle to any celebration, most of them are sadly non-recyclable due to their mixed materials such as plastic coatings or metallic elements. A sustainable alternative? Opt for non-glossy, plain paper wraps which are usually recyclable. If glamour is a must, consider reusable gift bags instead!
3. Coffee Cups – The Morning Essentials
Australians love coffee, but those on-the-go cups could be doing more harm than good if they’re not disposed of correctly. Most disposable coffee cups have a plastic lining that prevents recycling facilities from processing them. Thankfully, we’ve got other options! Consider bringing your reusable cup for your next caffeine fix, or check out specific recycling programs for coffee cups.
4. Bubble Wrap and Plastic Cushions
Shopping online means an influx of packaging, often filled with bubble wrap and air-filled pillows. Regular kerbside recycling bins can’t process these for recycling due to their flexible plastic nature. However, many supermarkets provide soft plastic recycling bins for items like these. Pro tip: Popping that bubble wrap is not only fun but can also help it take up less space in your general waste.
5. Receipts – More Than Just a Paper Problem
Your shopping receipts are actually not typical paper – they’re often printed on thermal paper containing chemicals which make them non-recyclable. To cut down on receipt waste, opt for digital versions when possible. For paper receipts, unfortunately, these need to go into your general waste bin.
6. Clothes Hangers
The wire and plastic hangers that keep your wardrobe organised can’t be recycled in most household recycling systems due to their complex material makeup and shape. Instead, consider donating good-quality hangers or reusing them where possible. Alternatively, check with local dry cleaners or recycling centres for drop-off options.
The Impact of Contamination
Why is this important? Contaminated recyclables can turn an entire batch of recyclable materials into waste, placing additional strain on waste management systems. According to Queensland government guidelines, keeping our recycling free of contaminants is crucial for maximising resource recovery.
How Brisbane South Skip Bins Can Help
If sorting through waste isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry! Brisbane South Skip Bins is here to lend a hand. Our team provides reliable and efficient waste management services in Brisbane, Logan, and Ipswich Queensland, tailored to meet your specific needs. From skip bin hire to expert advice on managing household or commercial waste, we’re committed to helping you reduce the impact on the environment.
Wrapping it Up
Recycling can be tricky, but with a few tips and a conscious effort, we can all do our part in reducing waste in Australia. Avoid putting these unexpected non-recyclable items in your recycling bin and explore alternative methods for disposal. Remember, every little step counts!
Need more help with sustainable waste disposal? Check out our services at Brisbane South Skip Bins and ensure your waste is managed responsibly.
About Brisbane South Skip Bins
Brisbane South Skip Bins offers comprehensive Skip Bin Hire Services for local household, Industrial, and commercial clean up. Affordable Skip Bin Hire – Brisbane South, Logan, Beaudesert and Ipswich
We can help you get rid of all types of unwanted rubbish, making the removal process easy, and saving you from having to load up trailers and make multiple trips to the rubbish tip.
Whether you’re renovating, landscaping, or doing a garden cleanout, we can take care of all your waste materials and unwanted items.
Our skip bins come in a range of sizes to accommodate all your removal needs.
Talk to Mick 0466 776 314 for help choosing the right type skip bin for your needs and save you money.
https://www.brisbanesouthskipbins.com.au/
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