How Do I Recycle That

We all want to do the right thing by the environment, but it isn’t always easy to find the resources we need. Below is a list of resources I have found that might help. It's not a comprehensive list by any means, but one I will continue to add to it as I find more information.

Batteries - Aldi will take AAA, AA, C, D, and 9-volt batteries, single use and rechargeable as do IKEA, Officeworks and Battery World.

Bottle caps - Both metal/aluminium and plastic bottle caps are recyclable. Put them into a larger container made of the same material and when the container is full, it can then go into the recycling bin. 

Don't put individual bottle caps in the recycling bin as they can slip through the sorting process or cause the recycling machinery to jam. 

Bread tags - Aussie Bread Tags for Wheelchairs collects bread tags nationwide. The tags are recycled and funds raised are used to buy wheelchairs for disadvantaged people in Africa. You can find a list of drop-off points here. 

Brita water filters - Terracycle has a program for recycling these.

Car Batteries - Battery World, Repco Auto Parts, Super Cheap Auto accept old car batteries.

Coffee pods - Nespresso has it's own recycling program, you can read about it here.  

L'or, Moccona and Illy have a partnership with Terracycle. There is no cost involved, but you will have to sign up, and there is a minimum weight requirement of 2kg.

As well as the coffee pods mentioned above, Terracycle has programs for several other brands. Check their website to see if a program is available for the brand you use.

If you would like to check out what other programs Terracycle have available you can do so here.

If you would like a more sustainable option for your coffee pods, Pod & Parcel makes fully compostable coffee pods, including the packaging they come in.

Doonas -  Boomerang Bags will accept donations of doonas, quilting fabric and pillow cases. 

Ink cartridges - Australia Post accepts empty ink cartridges.

Flora and Fauna - Have a recycling program for all types of personal care products, including blister packs. Check it out here. You will have to create an account, and pay for posting, but you will receive a credit towards any future purchases.

Light globes - Can be dropped off at your nearest Mitre 10 store. 

Mattresses - This one is going to take some more research to find recycling centres nationwide. I will leave it here though and get back to it when I have some information.

Oral care products - Terracycle have set up a partnership with Colgate to recycle your old toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes ( remove excess paste before posting), and empty floss containers. they also have a separate program for electric toothbrushes. Check their website for more information. 

Organic material -The easiest way to deal with organic waste is to compost it at home. There is a variety of compost bins on the market, but if this doesn’t appeal, contact your local council and ask if they have green waste bins available for residents. Also, be sure to ask what you can or cannot put in them.

Pillows - Before you chuck those old pillows in the bin could you upcyle them? Make a bed for your pet, draught stopper, floor pillows, ottoman, and throw pillows are just a few ways to re-use them.

Postal satchels - Official Australia Post satchel can be recycled through the REDcycle program via Coles and Woolworths. 

Sports shoes - Tread lightly accepts athletic lifestyle shoes, any sports branded shoe, thongs and slides, football boots, sneakers, trainers, runners, and golf shoes. Click here to find a drop off point near you.

Towels - Can be made into unpaper towels, Confessions of an Overworked Mom has a tutorial. Alternatively they can be donated to your local animal shelter.