If you love throwing parties in your backyard, you most likely have a lot of waste to deal with afterwards. Handling waste properly is important, but you might be unsure how to go about it. What goes where?

According to a 2019 report, each individual in NSW produced 8.8 kilograms of waste each week. This adds up to a total domestic waste of 3.66 million tonnes, with 1.94 million tonnes ending up in landfills. This highlights the need to manage waste responsibly. 

Should they go in the green bin, the yellow bin, or perhaps the red one? You don’t have to guess what goes in which bin anymore. This guide will walk you through what goes in each bin to avoid fines and reduce landfill waste!

Let’s start with your red rubbish bins!

What Is A Red Rubbish Bin?

Nearly 90% of Australians think recycling and proper waste management are important. But, 27% admit they just throw items into the general waste bin when they’re unsure if they can be recycled. Yikes!

In 2006, Australia established a national standard for mobile bin colours to create consistency across different councils and states. In NSW, yellow, red, and green bins are used as part of their waste management initiative. 

It is intended for general waste that cannot be recycled or composted, such as household waste, helping to keep other waste streams clean and free from contamination. 

What Items Can I Throw In The Red Rubbish Bin?

If you can’t recycle or compost an item, use the red bin!

Here’s what you can actually toss into the red rubbish bins:

• Non-recyclable plastics (e.g., plastic bags, wraps, containers, cutlery, etc.)
• Broken glass, ceramics, crockery, mirrors, light bulbs, and other glass items that can’t be recycled
• Disposable diapers and sanitary items
• Old clothes, shoes, and other small household items that can’t be reused or donated
• Polystyrene and Styrofoam (e.g., food trays and foam packaging)
• Food scraps (e.g., leftovers, fruit peels, bones, and meat products)
• Used/shredded paper, tissues, and paper towels
• Contaminated cardboard (e.g., pizza boxes and takeout containers)
• Disposable coffee cups and lids
• Stationery (e.g., pens, pencils, binders, etc.)
• Cigarette butts
• Hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, used cotton and swabs, etc.)
• Pool and garden hoses

Despite having a list of what goes in each bin, it can still be tricky to decide whether an item is recyclable or not. This can cause waste to get mixed up. When deciding what to put in your red bins, think about contamination.

What You Shouldn’t Throw In The Red Rubbish Bins?

If you know what can go in the red rubbish bin, you should also know what to avoid it!

What shouldn't go in your red rubbish bin:

• Construction waste (e.g., bricks, tiles, and other renovation waste)
• Garden and other green waste
• Whitegoods
• Electronics (e.g., computers)
• Batteries and/or fluorescent tubes or globes
• Paint
• Print ink and toner cartridges
• Medical waste 
• Tyres and other car parts
• Household chemicals (e.g., cleaners, pesticides, and insecticides)
• Hazardous materials 

Most importantly, keep plastic bottles, jars, metal containers, and other recyclables out of your red bins. Clean them well and remove any food or grease if they've been used for food storage or other purposes that might leave a residue. If they're still dirty after cleaning and rinsing, dispose of them with general waste.

Tips For Taking Out Your Red Rubbish Bins

Getting rid of your trash might seem as simple as taking a free throw shot. However, it becomes more complicated when you don't know the proper way to do it. Here’s some tips you need to follow:

• Don’t overfill your red bin: Keep it just the right level, and always ensure the lid closes securely. This way, you keep everything tidy and prevent a mess on collection day!
• Use bin liners: These liners can prevent spills and stains during collection. 
• Keep your red bin away from direct sunlight. In warmer weather, place your bin in a shaded spot to prevent unwanted odours. 
• Use sanitary storage bags: Using biodegradable nappy bags with deodoriser can help manage waste and minimise odours. 
• Clean your red bin: If the odour is strong, you can clean it with a high-pressure hose, detergent, disinfectant, and hot water. 
• Eliminate maggots or fly eggs if there are any: Pour hot water on the pests to eliminate them, then clean the affected area thoroughly. 

Are You Still Confused? 

Every time we make mistakes in recycling, it leads to more waste ending up in landfills, which contributes significantly to the production of harmful gases that drive climate change. 

You must understand your local council's recycling rules to avoid putting rubbish in the wrong bin. Know what can and cannot be recycled in your area. By staying informed, you can prevent paying fines and keep recyclables out of landfills. 

But if you don't have time for all the hassle, let the experts at All Gone Rubbish Removal handle it for you!

At an affordable price, we can provide responsible and practical waste removal services. We also offer same-day junk removal in Sydney, Central Coast, and Newcastle. Call us at 0480 047 806 for a free quote!